India hopeful of favourable response to Headley extradition

New Delhi, Nov 30:

is hopeful that the US would take a favourable decision on its request for extradition of American-born Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist and Mumbai terror accused

and his accomplice Tahawwur Hussain Rana before their sentencing in America.

Official sources said on Thursday, Nov 29 that New Delhi is awaiting a response from Washington on its request sent last month to extradite Headley and Rana.

US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman had said on Monday that India's request for extradition of Headley was under consideration and a decision could be taken soon.

India had access to 52-year-old Pakistani-American Headley, who recced the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack targets for the LeT, but so far has not been able to quiz his Pakistani-Canadian businessman friend Rana.

New Delhi's requests for access to Headley's wife Shazia Gilani, his girlfriend Portia Peter, one more female friend are also yet to be acceded by Washington.

Sources said talks are being planned between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the US Department of Justice to discuss a series of issues, including Headley and Rana. "Not only Headley and Rana, we are talking to the US on a number of issues very seriously," sources said.

PTI