Headley access: India to send letter to US

India plans to send a letter to the United States by the end of this week seeking direct access to David Headley, who pleaded guilty to 12 terror charges of conspiracy involving bombing public places in India and is currently in American custody.

The letter, to be sent by the Home Ministry to the US Department of Justice, seeking dates for having direct access to Headley, under the plea bargain agreement between him and the American government, has been finalised. Through the letter, the Ministry will tell American authorities that a team of Indian investigators was ready and it could visit the US once a confirmation is given, official sources said.

According to American law, the US Department of Justice will have to take permission from the Chicago court, which is hearing the 49-year-old terror suspect's case, about India's request to have direct access to him. The court will also take the view of Headley's lawyer before giving its consent for his interrogation by Indian investigators.

- Asian Tribune -