New Delhi, December 8
The Centre has okayed the filing of an additional chargesheet to frame terror-suspect David Headley for his role in the audacious attacks on Mumbai in November last year.
Well-placed sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs revealed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has provided evidence against Headley and a supplementary chargesheet will be filed in the case. At present, Ajmal Kasab, the lone 26/11 attacker to be captured alive, is being tried in the case.
Headley, who is in the FBI custody, will be charged for allegedly conducting a reconnaissance of targets that were hit by the Lashker-e-Taiba terrorists, who had sailed into Mumbai on a boat and wreaked havoc in the financial capital of the country, killing over 160 persons.
The decision to file a supplementary chargesheet in the 26/11 case comes after the FBI approached the Chicago court in the US and gave details about the reconnaissance missions carried out by the American national at the behest of Lashkar.
Official sources said the Indian investigators had enough proof regarding Headley, who is of Pakistani-origin and was earlier known as Daood Gilani. He conducted surveillance of targets in Mumbai for more than two years before the attacks. After each visit to India, he went to Pakistan and provided photos and oral narrations of the areas he had visited.
During the strikes, the intelligence agencies were baffled at the smooth manner in which the attackers were carrying out the operation. Their handlers across the border were also guiding them through satellite phones.
All the evidences found against Headley during the probe would be incorporated in the supplementary chargesheet.
So far the National Investigative Agency (NIA) is investigating the case pertaining to Headley and his accomplice Tahhawur Hussain Rana, however, the additional chargesheet in court will be filed by the crime branch of the Mumbai Police, which is investigating the attacks.
Indian investigators will not file a chargesheet just on the basis of an FBI document, it will be looking to interrogate Headley.
During his multiple visits to India, Headley --- who ran a immigration consultancy firm in Mumbai as cover up for clandestine activities --- is accused of taking pictures and making videotapes of various places, including those targeted on 26/11.
Investigations have led to the arrest of Fahim Ansari and Sabauddin, who allegedly helped Headley in taking pictures and video-filming of hotels, including the Taj Mahal and
Oberoi.
