Khurshid writes to Clinton for extradition of Headley, Rana

New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS) External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has requested US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to expedite the extradition of Lashkar-e-Taiba operative David Headley and his accomplice Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India, official sources said.

They said Khurshid has written to Clinton for extradition of Headley and Rana before their expected sentencing in January 2013.

US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman, who was in the capital last week, had said that India’s request for extradition of Headley, a Pakistan-American, was under consideration and a decision could be taken soon.

Sherman told a news channel that Barack Obama administration would do everything possible to bring 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed to justice.

Sherman, who had met Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai, told the channel that she understood the sentiments behind the 26/11 attack.

“There are processes of justice what both of our countries recognize. That’s what is being played out with David Headley. He has been convicted. He is about to face sentencing and he is going to pay for his role in this heinous act. I hope Indians understand the rule of law,” she said.

To a question on extradition of Headley or Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian, Sherman said: “That extradition request is before the US now. I expect that there will be a ruling on that soon. I can’t speak about the department of justice.”

Headley had pleaded guilty in a US court to his involvement in the November 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai that claimed 166 lives. He had, however, entered into plea bargain with US authorities.

The sources said India had earlier made a request to the US for extraditing Headley, accused of surveying 26/11 targets and Rana, charged with providing him material support.

The US authorities had given India access to Headley.

IANS 2012-12-01 21:38:18