ISI was divided on Thackeray operation, says David Headley

In order to further the agenda of targeting Shiv Sena’s headquarters or Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, David Coleman Headley started cultivating a friendship with Uddhav Thackeray’s former PA Rajaram Rege. In fact at one point, he tried to convince Mr Rege to get Bal Thackeray and his sons to the US where they (Headley and his aides) would “take care” of them.

Headley in his deposition also claimed that ISI was divided on the issue of Thackerays. Headley said that Major Iqbal of ISI was of the view that he should strengthen his relations with the Thackerays, while Headley himself, Major Sajid Mir and Major Abdul Rehman Pasha were in favour of attacking them. His friend Dr Tahawwur Hussain Rana wanted to make a quick buck and exhorted Headley to tell Mr Rege that he was keen on making investments.

He explained that Major Iqbal wanted to know if cultivating a relationship with Mr Rege could be of any use in getting information regarding military and paramilitary forces. Headley said that he had received an e-mail from Mr Rege regarding certain investments and he forwarded it to Iqbal, Mir and Rana. He also said that Dr Rana was ready to make an investment to earn some money. While they remained undecided on Mr Rege, Headley was advised by his handlers to keep Mr Rege busy in conferences and seminars in the US, so that by then they could decide where to use him.

When contacted, Mr Rege said, “I had met Headley at the Shiv Sena Bhavan for two-three minutes. Vilas Warke had brought him to me. He wanted to see the Shiv Sena Bhavan, for which I refused to grant him permission. We met for a very brief period. I have given this information already to investigation agencies including NIA. There is nothing more to be said on this issue.” At the end of the hearing, the prosecution played an audio recording on the intercepted conversation between attackers and their handlers sitting in Pakistan during the attacks. Headley identified voices of Major Sajid Mir, Abu Al Kahafa and Abu Al Qama.

According to Headley, during the conversation the person who said “Haan ji veer kya haal hai ” (Yes braveheart, how are you ) was Mir. Mir was talking to attackers at the Taj. He identified Abu Kahafa as the voice that said, “Allah aap ka kaam qubul kare. Bahut saare logon ke zakham par marham rakha gaya hai. Jo dua aap ko batai thi na wo bhoolni nahi hai. Jahan bhi baitho 3 baar zurur padho” (May Allah recognise your work. The wounds of too many people have been healed. And don’t forget the prayers that were shared with you. Wherever you sit, recite it thrice,” He also identified the voice of Abu Al Qama, but said he could not recognise the voices of other people.