U.K. plea for clemency to Bleach turned down

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JULY 23. India has turned down the British plea for granting clemency to Mr. Peter Bleach, a key accused in the December 1995 Purulia arms drop case.

The Government's view was conveyed today to the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Jack Straw, by the Union Home Minister, Mr. L.K. Advani, during a telephonic conversation.

Mr. Peter Bleach, serving prison term in Kolkata, was a crucial part of the international conspiracy and in collusion with the prime accused, Mr. Kim Peter Davy, who is still absconding. Mr. Straw drew a parallel with the pardon granted to 5 Latvians in the Purulia arms drop case last October. Mr. Advani said the British Foreign Secretary was told about ``direct links'' of Mr. Peter Bleach with Mr. Kim Davy.

In case Mr. Peter Bleach was granted clemency by the Government, the case against Mr. Kim Davy would collapse, Mr. Advani told Mr. Straw.

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