The National Investigation Agency has prepared a fresh set of papers seeking the extradition of Lashkar-e-Tayiba operative David Headley who has been convicted in the United States for his role in the 26/11 attack.
NIA sources told rediff.com that Headley is wanted for larger crimes in India and the concept of dual sovereignty is being quoted in the latest bid to extradite or at least question him once again.
According to the legal opinion that has been given to the NIA, Headley has been convicted for crimes against the US, but then he has also committed a crime on Indian soil and hence the concept of dual sovereignty could be cited.
While this is a good enough ground to seek extradition despite a plea bargain agreement, NIA officials say that if this plea is turned down, then they have the right to seek his interrogation under this concept.
The concept of dual sovereignty can be quoted at this moment, as he is no longer an under-trial prisoner and has been convicted. Although the federal laws could come into play and avoid an extradition thanks to the plea bargain arrangement, India could still seek out his questioning now which the United States cannot deny.
NIA sources told rediff.com, ‘In our plea to extradite him, we have said that he is wanted for wider conspiracy. He had conspired with the Lashkar-e-Tayiba for other attacks. He is part of the wider Karachi project, which plots major attacks in India.’
