David Headley confirms ISI role in 26/11; tells court he was influenced by Hafeez Saeed
LeT made two unsuccessful attempts to carry out terror attacks before finally striking in November 2008, once in September and another in October, Headley told court.
Pakistani-American LeT operative David Headley on Monday deposed before a Mumbai court via video-link and confirmed Pakistan's ISI involvement in 26/11 terror attacks.
This is the first time that Headley deposed before the court.
In his deposition through video-conference, which began at 7 AM, Headley said that he was a 'true follower of LeT' and came to India eight times - seven before the terror attack on November 26, 2008 and once after that.
Headley said that he joined LeT after being "influenced" by its head Hafeez Saeed and took his first "course" with them in 2002 at Muzaffarabad.
He told the court that LeT made two unsuccessful attempts to carry out terror attacks before finally striking in November 2008, once in September and another in October.
Headley also said that in his Indian visa application he had furnished all 'wrong' information 'to protect his cover'.
"I applied for change in name on February 5, 2006 in Philadelphia. I changed my name to David Headley to get a new passport under that name. I wanted a new passport so that I could enter India with an American identity," he said.
Latest Updates
Satisfied with what David Headley has revealed, says Ujjwal Nikam
* David Headley has made some sensitive revelation
* I am absolutely satisfied as to what Headley has revealed
* He also disclosed that he was introduced to Major Iqbal and Major Ali of ISI
* When asked for the reason to meet smugglers, Headley said that they wanted to send some weapons to India
Nikam also said that it is clear that there is close nexus between ISI & LeT as per revelations made by Headley in his deposition.
Headley acted on Hafiz Saeed's advice: Mahesh Jethmalani
Senior lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani said that his counsel David Headley has told the special court that he acted on the advice of Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed and two unsuccessful attempts were made prior to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Jethmalani said Headley disclosed that the same ten people, who came on November 26, had come twice earlier but their attempts failed.
The senior lawyer, however, refused to disclose further information, saying, "Right now there is bar on anyone talking about the proceedings but the evidence will be quite significant."
Headley says he was arrested near Pak-Afghan border
* Headley says he and retired major Abdur Rehman Pasha were arrested in Landi Kotal near Pak-Afghan border because he looked like a foreigner
* During my arrest, Major Ali came to interrogate me and I was having some Indian literature in my possession
* During interrogation I gave information to Major Ali that I am holding a business office in India
* Major Ali thought that I will be beneficial for gathering intelligence from India. Then Major Ali introduced me to Major Iqbal of Pakistan ISI.
* Sajid Mir & Major Iqbal were happy to see my Indian visa. Sajid Mir was guiding me on getting visas.
* Dr. Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was my schoolmate for 5 years, helped me to get Indian visa. I met him in a military school in Punjab province. After school, Rana became a doctor in Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi.
Two attempts were made to attack Mumbai prior to 26/11, says Headley
* First attempt was made in September 2008 but the boat hit rocks in the ocean. in which weapons & explosives were lost but those on board survived.
* Second attempt was made in October 2008. Those involved in the first attempt were involved in this as well, but the attack failed.
* Third and final attack launched on Mumbai was successful.
David Headley tells Mumbai court
1) After receiving new passport, came to India seven times before 26/11 and once after the terror attacks.
2) After 26/11 visited India on 7th March 2009 from Lahore to Delhi.
3) All details except place of birth, date of birth, mother's nationality & passport number, were incorrect in my visa application.
David Headley deposes before Mumbai court
1) I was a true follower of LeT
2) I changed my name from Dawood Gilani to David Headley, so that I could enter India. I wanted to enter India with an American name
3) After I changed my name, I disclosed this information to my colleague Sajid Mir of LeT
4) I visited Pakistan weeks after I changed my name
5) Sajid Mir (LeT) wanted me to set up some business or office in India
6) Sajid Mir (LeT) specified object of his intention before my first visit to India