Many years after the tragedy, in 2003, the Indian government officially made a request for the extradition of Anderson, only to have it turned down by the US. Activists have alleged that the government just did not try hard enough to bring Warren Anderson back. Now, officials who were in charge of investigations, too say the Indian government was never serious about trying Anderson.
NDTV spoke to former CBI official BR Lall, who was in charge of investigations of the Bhopal gas tragedy from April 1994 TO July 1995. He said he was categorically told not to press for Anderson's extradition. "Communication received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs asking us not to pursue extradition...he (Anderson) was the main culprit as far as we were concerned, " Lall said.
He said he opposed the written communication he received from the Foreign Ministry to this effect, though he has not kept a copy of the letter. "I returned the letter saying that it will not be possible for the CBI...After a little while I was transferred...I don't know when the final decision was taken to drop proceedings," Lall added.
Anderson and 11 other accused were initially charged by the CBI for culpable homicide which carries a maximum punishment of 10 years. The case against Anderson was later separated. Also, the charges were brought down to criminal negligence which carries a maximum punishment of two years.
Activists and victims say Anderson and the top management of the company were aware that storing methyl isocynate was dangerous. Anderson is also said to have introduced cost-cutting measures which compromised safety at the plant.