26/11 attacks: David Coleman Headley met Hafiz Saeed and Lakhvi in Pakistan

MUMBAI: Continuing his deposition for the second day before a special court via video conferencing, Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley on Tuesday admitted that he had met both Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) commander Hafiz Saeed and then operational commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. Headley deposed that he had suggested to Saeed to take the US government to court for branding LeT as a terror outfit.Lakhvi said it was a good idea but it would take long and would have to be discussed with the ISI.
Headley further revealed that the conspiracy to attack Mumbai was hatched at a meeting in November 2007 in Muzzafarabad where he was present alongwith his main contact Sajid Mir and Abu Kahfa. He also said he had conducted a reconnaissance of Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai in 2006 and especially the convention hall as the plan was to attack an Indian defence scientists meeting. The plan was, however, later cancelled for various reasons.
Headley also spoke about his association with former LeT colleague Abdul Rehman Pasha. He said that Pasha later joined al-Qaida.
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Headley's deposition is taking place efore special judge GA Sanap in the city civil and sessions court, via video conferencing from an undisclosed location in the US. The proceedings commenced at 7am and will continue after a break until 12.30pm.
Headley's deposition might help the prosecution's bid to nail alleged co-conspirator and handler of the terrorists, suspected LeT operative Zabihuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal. Jundal is currently the sole person under trial in the case. Executed Pakistani gunman Ajmal Kasab identified Jundal as his handler. Jundal is also attending the proceedings via video conference from Arthur Road jail where he is currently lodged. His plea to be physically present for the proceedings was rejected by the court.
Headley is currently jailed in the US where he is serving 35 years in prison for his role in the attacks. In January 2013, he was convicted and sentenced by a US federal court.
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In his first deposition on Monday, Headley had told the court that Pakistani terrorists attempted to attack Mumbai twice before the 26/11 strikes that killed 166 people but failed both times.
Describing himself as a "true follower of LeT", Headley also admitted during his examination by special prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam that he joined the ranks of LeT after getting "influenced and motivated" by the speeches of terrorist outfit's founder Hafiz Saeed.
(With inputs from agencies)