India rejects extradition of Malegaon accused to Pak

NEW DELHI: Amid reports that Pakistan may seek extradition of Malegaon blast accused Lt Col Shrikant Purohit in the Samjhauta Express blast case, India on Tuesday virtually rejected the demand, saying Islamabad had no locus standi in the investigations involving the Army officer.

"The case (Malegaon blast) is under examination by the Anti-Terror Squad (of Maharashtra Police). It is our internal matter. We are investigating it. How can Pakistan be concerned with that?" Defence Minister A K Antony asked while talking to reporters here on the sidelines of an NCC function.

"Our agencies are inquiring about that. Let us wait for the final results. It (investigation) is our responsibility and we are doing it," Antony said in reply to queries.

Earlier in the day, Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma at the CII Partnership Summit said it would be better if Pakistan stopped diversionary tactics, as the whole world was watching actions by Islamabad to dismantle terror infrastructure.

"It would be better if there is no diversion or deflection at this stage," Sharma said when asked to comment on reports that Pakistan may seek custody of Purohit.

"I think we are talking here about what is firmly established about the dastardly attack in Mumbai carried out by organisations which have been identified and named and individuals who are Pakistani nationals," he said.

On Pakistan's offer to India to join the probe into the the Mumbai attacks, Sharma said let Pakistan first make full disclosure of their investigation.

"I have to say that the whole world is watching how effective the actions would be to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism and also bring to justice those who are responsible for masterminding the carnage in Mumbai," he said.