08 February,2016 09:36 AM IST | | Sailee Dhayalkar
In his deposition before the Mumbai court today via video conferencing, David Headley identified 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, and went on to add that he was inspired by speeches of the JuD chief
The deposition of David Coleman Headley began before a special Mumbai court today via video conferencing. His deposition will continue for the next few days as well.
In a significant development, Headley identified the photo of Hafiz Saeed, who he said was head of LeT and added that he joined the organisation motivated by his speeches.
Headley also revealed that, before 26/11, LeT attempted the attack twice, in September that year and once again later, with the same 10 people, but the plan failed.
Headley, who deposed as an approver against Abu Jundal, in his statement to the court admitted that he was a LET operative and was sent to Mumbai on the behest of Sajid Mir, a main contact of Headley, who is an accused in 26/11 attack case and also a LeT operative. Headley added that he made a new passport just to enter in India.
Also Read: David Headley to depose before Mumbai court today
David Headley
He also told court that he visited to Mumbai 7 times before the 26/11 attacks, and once after the attack. Further, Headley also conducted video shooting of Mumbai on instructions of Mir, who also told him to settle in Mumbai and set up an office.
Headley added that he came to Mumbai using a false identity as âDavid Coleman Headley'. During his deposition, he stated that he is a follower of LeT, and had a general idea about why was he sent to Mumbai.
The deposition further revealed that Headley's military school friend, Dr. Tahbbur Rana, who helped him in getting the visa, knew the real purpose to Headley's visit to Mumbai.
It was further learnt that some people from Pakistan helped in sending him to Mumbai because they though he could be useful for them as an intelligence in India.
Read Story: Mumbai court pardons David Headley, makes LeT terrorist approver in 26/11 case
Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam is leading the prosecution case while well-known criminal lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani is representing Headley before Special TADA Court Judge G.A. Sanap at the five-hour proceedings.
Flanked by three persons -- his attorney John, a US attorney Sarah and an unidenfied person Bob -- Headley was administered the oath at 7.30 a.m. and Nikam started firing the questions at him.
Within a couple of hours, Nikam had posed around five dozen questions where Headley also revealed that most of the information on his visa application was false so that he would not blow his cover.
"This is the first time that a terrorist is deposing and tendering evidence live in a foreign country. He will divulge the largers aspects of the 26/11 terror conspiracy, the people behind it and related aspects," SPP Nikam said on the eve of the trial.
Headley's ongoing evidence could help the prosecution nail the alleged co-conspirators in the attacks Zakiur Rehman Lakshi, the terrorists' handlers, the role and involvement of other state and non-state actors, the role of another arrested LeT activist Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal, currently in a Mumbai jail.
At the previous hearing on December 10 last year, a special judge had pardoned Headley and made him an approver in the case subject to certain conditions.
Headley, a man with American-Pakistani origins, was asked by Judge Sanap to disclose all information pertaining to the 26/11 case which he had earlier shared with the US courts.
This could shed light on the 26/11 conspiracy and the role of various terror groups, and other crucial details of the terror strike at multiple locations which left 166 dead on November 26-28, 2008.
Headley had already confessed to his role in the offences in the US for which he is seving a 35-year sentence.
(With IANS inputs)
