Pak may seek Indian Army officer Purohit's custody

Islamabad, Dec.12 (ANI): Sources in the Pakistan Government have said that Islamabad might formally ask India hand over army offcier Lt. Col. Shrikant Prasad Purohit, for undergoing a trial in a court in Pakistan for his alleged role in perpetrating the bomb blasts on the Samjhauta Express that runs between both countries.

The train blast took place about 100 kilometers from New Delhi in Deewana near Panipat on February 19, 2007. In the attack, 64 people, including some Pakistani nationals, were killed in explosions believed to have been set off by IEDs in two of the train's coaches as it was heading towards the Attari Railway station near Lahore.

Lt. Col. Purohit is the first serving army officer arrested for his alleged involvement in terrorist activities and for links with Hindu extremist organizations, reports the Daily Times.

Lt. Col. Purohit is currently in police custody in Maharashtra after he was arrested by the Mumbai-based Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in connection with the September 28, 2007 Malegaon bomb blast case.

The Pune branch of the ATS obtained Lt. Col. Purohit's custody. Lt. Col. Purohit has already charged the ATS with acting in a high-handed manner. (ANI)