Mumbai terror trial in Chicago winding down

From Himani Kumar
Chicago, Jun 2 (PTI) The verdict in the trial of
Tahawwur Hussain Rana, co-accused in the Mumbai terror attacks
with David Coleman Headley, is likely to come in earlier than
expected as the Chicago businessman is unlikely to testify at
his own trial.
Rana's Attorney Patrick Blegen said Tahawwur Rana's
defence team was still making a final decision, but that it
was unlikely Rana would take the stand.
The case proceeded quickly after Headley, a
Pakistani-American, wrapped up his testimony after five days
of questioning by Prosecution and Defence lawyers in the trial
of his childhood friend and another 26/11 co-accused Rana in a
Chicago court.
Prosecutors called seven witnesses on Thursday,
including five FBI agents who verified email and phone
communication between Rana, Headley, and "Major Iqbal,"
believed to be an ISI officer.
Rana was communicating through e-mails with Major
Iqbal of ISI (low level officer), it was noted in court.
An email sent from a Chaudhery Khan, another name for
Major Iqbal from chaudherykhan@yahoo.com in which he gave his
mobile number for future contacts was shown in court on
Thursday by prosecutor Sarah Streicker.
Another e-email from tahawwur@yahoo.com in which Rana
booked Headley's flight on December 8, 2008, from New York to
Chicago with a stop at Atlanta.
US District Court Judge Harry D Leinenweber said the
case proceeded quickly partly because both the government and
defence had no problems with the stipulation.
A stipulation is an agreement between opposing parties
prior to a pending hearing or trial when both parties
stipulate to certain facts and therefore do not argue those
facts.
The judge adjourned the hearing till Monday.
"We're fairly close to the end of the case,"
Leinenweber said.
"We're going to suspend now until Monday, 09:30 am,"
he added.
On Monday the last of the witnesses will be presented.
The trial will resume with testimonies from Rana's witnesses
among others.
Final arguments will be on Tuesday and deliberations
are scheduled for on the same day.
The jury will deliberate after weighing in the pros
and cons and given information and arguments to evaluate.
The jury could come up with a verdict whether Rana is
guilty or not as early as Wednesday.
At the start of the trial, Leinenweber had stated that
the trial would tentatively end by June 15.
Rana was indicted by a federal grand jury under 12
counts on February 15 last year for planning out the attacks,
providing material support to LeT to carry out the bombings,
and guiding Headley in scouting targets in Mumbai in the
process.
Rana, a Pakistani Canadian, on the other hand, said
that he was duped by Headley, who has pleaded guilty to
scouting sites in Mumbai.