Day 5 of Depositions: Headley Scouted BARC, LeT Targeted Shiv Sena
Follow the latest updates from David Headley’s deposition before the Mumbai court on The Quint.
LeT Intended to Attack National Defence College
David Headley admitted that LeT intended to attack the National Defence College in Delhi many years ago. Headley claimed that Ilyas Kashmiri said that the NCD, Delhi was a high value target as many senior Indian Army officers stay there.
Headley: Working for Al-Qaeda
“Congratulations On Your Graduation, Ceremony Was Great”
Headley said in court that his wife gave him full credit for the successful terror attack.
Saddened By Kasab’s Death: Headley
Ajmal Kasab’s capture and death was met with sorrow by Sajid Mir and the rest of the LeT. When shown a picture of Ajmal Kasab, David Headley said “Rahmatullah Ali” (May God forgive you).
Sajid Mir planned to target Shiv Sena headquarters and Bala Saheb Thackeray. It was towards this end that Headley was asked to develop his friendship with Rajaram Rege, Uddhav Thackeray’s Public Relations Officer.
Rajaram Rege is a Shiv Sena worker, who had mentioned earlier that he had forged a bond with David Headley to gain access to Indian contracts with US companies.
Headley Discouraged Attacks on Siddhivinayak Temple
In July 2008, Headley visited Nariman House in Mumbai, made a video of premises as he knew that it was a Jewish community centre on Sajid Mir and Abdur Rehman Pasha’s orders. He also discouraged LeT from attacking the Naval Air Station and Siddhivinayak Temple as both are heavily guarded.
Headley admitted making videos at BARC for Major Iqbal and Sajid Mir.
26/11: Pakistan’s Revenge
Zakiur Rahman Lakhvi said that the 26/11 attack was very important; it would serve as an answer to India’s attacks on Pakistan. The attacks were Pakistan’s revenge on India.
Headley Surveys Siddhivinayak Temple
Headley visited Siddhivinayak Temple, made videos of the premises and bought ‘sacred thread’ for attackers, so that they would blend in. Sajid Mir thought it was a good cover.
Headley’s revelation yesterday that Ishrat Jahan was an LeT operative was discussed widely on social media:
Headley Consults With Tahawwur Rana About Landing Sites
Headley Visited New York and Philadelphia in 2008. It was during this time that he spoke to Tahawwur Rana about his suggestions for landing sites.
Headley Scouted for Landing Sites Before Finalising Cuffe Parade
Headley visited Gateway of India and Worli, before deciding that Cuffe Parde would be the landing site for the 26/11 attackers, after meeting Sajid Mir and Major Iqbal. He showed them videos of the possible landing sites.
Major Iqbal thought that Mumbai airport was another place he should have checked.
Depositions Begin
David Headley begins testifying in court over video.
Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam arrives in court for Headley’s depositions on day 5.
Dramatic Day 4: Headley’s Confessions in Court
- Headley used code language to exchange emails with Tahawwur Rana, Major Iqbal and Sajid Mir.
- Ishrat Jahan named before the Mumbai court, Headley claimed she was an LeT operative.
- Muzzammil Bhatt headed Headley’s wing of the LeT before Sajid Mir.
- The LeT has a women’s wing. Abu Aiman Mazhar was in charge of it.
- Muzzammil Bhatt had planned to attack Akshardham temple in Gujarat, following the destruction of Babri Masjid.
- Headley watched the coverage of the 26/11 terror attacks in Rawalpindi.
- Headley confessed that Abu Khafa’s nephew was one of the ten attackers.
- David Headley confirmed that there was a separate LeT naval wing.
- Abdul Aziz, charged for his involvement in the Bengaluru terror attacks is “the LeT guy.”
- Headley said that Sajid Mir and he were “very happy” about the success of the attacks.
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