India Moves Closer to Trying 26/11 Conspirators Despite Their Absence
What Happened
Mumbai Police have approached the Ministry of Home Affairs to serve proclamation orders through Interpol on six absconding accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, including Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, Sajid Mir, Abu Alqama, Asim alias Abu Qahafa, and Major Abdur Rehman Pasha. The move is aimed at initiating trial in absentia under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, as all six are believed to be in Pakistan and remain beyond the reach of Indian authorities.
Key Takeaways
If the proclamation orders are successfully served and the accused fail to appear within the stipulated period, Indian courts can proceed with a trial in their absence. The step marks a significant legal effort to hold the alleged masterminds of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which killed 166 people and lasted over 60 hours, accountable despite their continued absence from India.