Headley pardoned, made approver in 26/11 case

New Delhi, Dec 10: The special court in Mumbai has allowed David Headley to turn an approver in the 26/11 case. While imposing the pre condition that he shall reveal all information relating to the attack, the court granted his request and made him an approver in the case.

Earlier Headley was produced before the court through video conferencing. When produced Headley had said that he would turn approver if granted pardon by the court‎. The court however told him that he would have to cooperate and also reveal all information relating to the case he has.

‎The‎ Mumbai court is hearing a case pertaining to the 26/11 attack in which it is also trying another accused Abu Jundal alias Zabiuddin Ansari. Last month the court had taken strong exception to the fact that Headley despite playing such a major role had not been made an accused in the case. On November 18th, he was formally made an accused in the case.

Headley would continue to depose in this case through video conferencing. He cannot be extradited to India or tried in person. His in-absentia trial is a result of a plea bargain arrangement that he made with the US authorities at the time of his arrest.

As per the agreement, Headley cannot be awarded a death penalty. The agreement also makes it clear that he cannot be deported to either India or Denmark, the two countries where there are cases against him. Headley had played a crucial role in the 26/11 attack.

He had visited Mumbai more than once and carried out a reconnaissance of various targets. It was the inputs that he had provided which was used by the Lashkar-e-Tayiba which sent in ten terrorists to stage the deadly 26/11 attack.

IANS