BJP alleges India-Italy 'collusion' over marines

New Delhi (IANS): The BJP on Tuesday alleged "diplomatic collusion" between New Delhi and Rome over its decision not to send back two Italian marines being tried for killing two Indian fishermen. "It was a planned strategy and looks like a diplomatic collusion between India and Italy. People who murdered two Indians are getting away scot free. We want to know under whose influence this is happening," asked BJP leader Balbir Punj. Another BJP leader, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, said it was "bluff and betrayal" by the Italian government and India should respond strongly. "It is a betrayal and bluff to the ... Supreme Court which was generous to allow them (marines) to go home twice," said Rudy. He said Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy had feared that they might not return to India. "A big question arises over the role of the Indian government." The decision not to send Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, who were allowed to go home to meet their families, back to India was taken by Italy's defence and justice ministries in consultation with the country's prime minister's office. The marines have been at the centre of a year-long row after shooting dead two Indian fishermen off Kerala in February 2012. The Supreme Court allowed them to return to Italy to vote in the Feb 24-25 election. It earlier let them go home for Christmas.