The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Thursday told a court here that it will soon file a charge sheet against the two Italian marines allegedly involved in killing two Indian fishermen in 2012.
Marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone were arrested for killing two Indian fisherman off the coast of Kerala in February 2012, taking their fishing boat for a pirate vessel.
The two are currently on bail, pending trial, and are living and working at the Italian embassy in New Delhi.
NIA counsel told Additional Sessions Judge Dharmesh Sharma that charge sheet has been prepared and it will be filed soon. It apprised the court that they're waiting for resolving a certain application related to the case, pending in the apex court.
According to the agency, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the plea of Italian government challenging invocation of anti-terrorism law against its two marines Feb 3.
The trial court has deferred the further hearing of the case to Feb 25, adding that it will decide later on the NIA plea requesting to take "appropriate steps" to secure the custody of the marines.
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The court, however, made it clear that in case the charge sheet is filed, it will proceed with the matter.
The Supreme Court Jan 18, 2013, said that till such time as the special court is set up, the marines will be under the custody of the apex court.
The marines, posted on board oil tanker MV Enrica Lexie on security duty, had opened fire at a fishing boat, suspecting that it carried pirates. Two fishermen, Ajesh Binki and Gelastine, were killed in the firing.
Italian officials say the marines merely fired warning shots into the sea in the direction of the fishermen's boat.
Italy disputes India's jurisdiction over the case, claiming the incident took place in international waters