The ongoing trial of the Mumbai terror attacks case took a crucial turn recently with the court making American national and Lashkar operative David Coleman Headley an accused in the case.
Based on Headley’s revelations to the U.S. authorities, India seems to be pinning its hopes on building a case against Pakistani officials, who have figured in his statement and the statement of alleged Lashkar operative Abu Jundal, currently facing trial in Mumbai.
With extradition being ruled out due to his plea bargaining agreement with the U.S. court, the prosecution is likely to aim the Headley card at some of the wanted accused in the case, namely Pakistani Army officials. However, it remains to be seen to what extent Headley may serve the prosecution’s purpose.
“This is a sensitive case. We still have to plan out our exact strategy. Let’s see how America responds,” special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, who moved the application calling for Headley, told The Hindu . He refused to divulge any more details.
Mr. Nikam maintained that Headley would strengthen the case against Jundal.
However, according to defence lawyer Mehmood Pracha, who represents Jundal, the prosecution’s move was a give away that there was not enough evidence against Jundal. “What is the worth of Headley’s evidence? He is a co-accused who is in a safe-haven of sorts,” he said.
Published - November 26, 2015 02:09 am IST
