After months of dilly-dallying, the National Investigation Agency is set to file a chargesheet against American-Pakistani Lashkar-e-Tayyaba terrorist David Headley. Government sources said that the investigation against Headley is complete and now the government can proceed against Headley, who has confessed to his role in the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai.
Under Section 173 CrPC, which lays down the procedure for filing of a chargesheet, it is mandatory for the investigating agency to submit the chargesheet to the court explaining the charges against the accused. “After any investigation, a report has to be filed by the investigating officer. Following the procedure, we will soon proceed against Headley by filing of the chargesheet,” a senior official said refusing to spell out the time frame. The government had earlier been examining its options of initiating legal action against Headley following his plea bargain agreement with the US government.
Armed with “vital information” after his questioning by NIA officials, the Centre is also keen to press for Headley’s extradition from the US. “Once we complete the relevant procedures, we will discuss Headley’s extradition,” the official said.
The NIA has already registered a case against Headley and his accomplice Tahawwur Hussain Rana for allegedly plotting terror attacks in India. Headley, recently questioned by the NIA officials in US, has spoken frankly about his links with the Jammat-ud-Dawa chief and LeT founder Hafiz Saeed besides highlighting the role of both “state” and “non state” actors in Pakistan in the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai.
The government is aware of the expectations in political and security circles in the case against Headley which can nail Pakistan’s involvement in fomenting terror activities in the country.
Notably, the Headley issue is expected to be raised by the Opposition during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.