On December 8 I had reported for the IANS wire that the prospects of Mumbai terror suspect David Coleman Headley being extradited to India were not promising despite a comprehensive extradition treaty between the two countries.
"Considering the gravity of the charges he faces under US laws Headley is expected to remain the focus of an intense investigation for a length of time," I had said.
Reports coming out of New Delhi say that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has "politely" turned down the Indian request for Headley's extradition because he may be handed a long sentence by a Chicago court.
The very fact that Headley has been specifically charged in connection with the death of six U.S. citizens, who were killed during the Mumbai siege, by federal prosecutors should have made it obvious to anyone that any likely conviction would mean that he would not be extradited to India. Normally, extradition treaties work well when a suspect is predominantly charged in a country where he or she is sought to be extradited. In this case there are six specific counts against him, each one of which can carry significant punishment.
I did not realize vindication used to taste so delicious, especially when I make and serve it myself. I do not have a choice since no one else would do it. So this morning along with milk and cereal, I have kept a plateful of vindication as part of my breakfast. I prefer it undressed, not even salt and pepper.
