India will protest if Headley is let off lightly: Pillai

New Delhi, Mar 18 (PTI) Amid apprehensions that terror
suspect David Headley might cut a deal to escape severe
punishment, India on Thursday said it will lodge a "very
strong protest" if he gets a "light" sentence in the Chicago
court.

But Home Secretary G K Pillai said if Headley gets
severe punishment and comes out of the judicial process, it
would be easier for India to get access to the Pakistan-born
American national in jail.
"If he is given a light sentence, it would not only be
disappointing but we will be registering a very strong protest
with the US," Pillai told NDTV hours ahead of the hearing
against Headley in Chicago.
His statement came amid speculation that Headley,
believed to have been double agent for the US, would plead
guilty in the court as part of a deal to escape severe
punishment.