March 31, 2010 8:59 PM

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India to press for access to Headley and his extradition

India today said it would press for access to Lashkar-e Taiba operative David Headley and his extradition. His plea bargain with the US authorities is being examined in this context. Home Minister P Chidambaram told the media in New Delhi that his Ministry is sending a letter to the US which is currently being vetted. <br/><br/>He said, Headley and the US Attorney have agreed on a plea bargain and India is examining the legal implications of the agreement. In the plea bargain, Headley has expressed readiness to be available to foreign officials for questioning through video conferencing, deposition or Letter Rogatory (official request). <br/><br/>Mr Chidambaram said, the government is also examining the plea agreement in the light of the provisions of the Extradition Treaty between India and the US. The US has made it clear that extradition of Headley was not possible. <br/><br/>Asked about the proposal to send a letter to the US to seek Headley's access, Home Minister said, it is going through legal processes. Asked whether India would also seek access to Headley's associate Tahawur Rana, Mr Chidambaram said he had pleaded not guilty and that the government would think of the appropriate action only after he is chargesheeted.<br/><br/>Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian national, was arrested along with Headley in Chicago in October last year. They have been been accused of having played a key role in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and planning further strikes in India.

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