MHA to discuss Italian marines case with doval

Amidst indications of efforts being mounted to solve the Italian marines imbroglio, top home ministry officials on Wednesday had a preliminary discussion on the issue.

Amidst indications of efforts being mounted to solve the Italian marines imbroglio, top home ministry officials on Wednesday had a preliminary discussion on the issue.

The officials are likely to meet the National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, on Thursday for further brainstorming. According to sources, the Italian government wants an amicable settlement of the issue. Top ministry officials sat for an hour to formulate the stand of the Indian government.

The two Italian marines- Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone — were accused of killing two Kerala fishermen in 2012 off the Kerala coast. Latorre was allowed to go home last month after he suffered a condition similar to a mild stroke.

“The NIA charge sheet in the case is ready as per the sanction by the home ministry. But the two accused have challenged the jurisdiction of the NIA to probe the case in the SC and matter is going to come up for hearing on December 12, the agency will act according to the directions given by the top court,” said a home ministry source.

According to NIA sources, they were not aware of any such move. Besides the MHA also said no talks taking place with Rome to resolve the issue. HTC