Headley can be put on trial in Pakistan: Ujjwal Nikam

Pakistan investigation agency can implead Headley as one of the wanted accused and declare him as a proclaimed offender. Pakistan can do this if it has to fight terrorism, Mr. Nikam felt.

David Headley, who pleaded guilty before a U.S. court, cannot be impleaded in the 26/11 trial here as it is nearing completion, but he can very well be put on trial in Pakistan, public prosecutor in the case Ujjwal Nikam said on Friday.

However, he said, Pakistani-American Headley’s admission of guilt before a U.S. court has strengthened the Mumbai terror attacks case which is being heard in the special court here.

Mr. Nikam said that it would not be possible for prosecution in 26/11 case here to implead Headley as an accused, because recording of evidence is over.

However, in Pakistan, the trial against seven conspirators is already on and the Pakistan investigating agency has declared lone surviving terrorist Ajmal Kasab as a proclaimed offender and one of the conspirators involved in 26/11 case, Mr. Nikam pointed out.

So, the Pakistan investigation agency can implead Headley too as one of the wanted accused and declare him as a proclaimed offender, the prosecutor said.

“It can also tender pardon to him, if he gives evidence against rest of the accused and other wanted accused through video-link,” Mr. Nikam said.

Pakistan can do this if it has to fight terrorism, Mr. Nikam felt. “If Headley discloses more names involved in 26/11 attacks, they can also be tried in Pakistan on the basis of his statement,” he added.