FBI proof will speed up 26/11 charge-sheet

The Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the United States has come in handy for India with the investigating agencies of both countries sharing crucial evidence regarding Pakistan's involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Sources in the Mumbai police and Anti Terrorism Squad told rediff.com that the evidence that has been shared by US investigating agencies is crucial to nail Pakistan's lie.

Sources also say that the evidence provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation is more or less similar to the one they have gathered. The information shared also includes the interrogation report of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist who is in the custody of the Mumbai police.

However, the most important part of the evidence which the Mumbai police have managed to get is the details of the Voice over Internet Protocol services that were used by the terrorists during the attack. This according to an investigating officer will prove that the entire conspiracy was hatched in Pakistan and not in Bangladesh. The VoIP also gives a clear indication as to how the ten terrorists kept in constant touch with their Lashkar-e-Tayiba handlers and bosses in Pakistan.

As per the information received from the FBI, it is clear that the payment for the VoIP was made from Karachi.

Apart from this the Mumbai police also have information regarding the satellite phone provider who is based in the Gulf. One of the Lashkar commanders was using a satellite phone of this service provider.

Chargehsheet: With the Mumbai police gathering a lot more evidence in the 26/11 attacks, the charge-sheet in the case is expected in a week. Sources said that the investigating agencies do not want to take any chances while filing the charge-sheet and want to make it fool proof. The charge-sheet would have details of the VoIP, the conversations recorded by the FBI and also the details of FBI investigations on Kasab. The police need clearance from the state and Union government to incorporate sections under the Customs Act and also the section in the Indian Penal Code which deals with waging war against the state. The clearance is expected anytime now.