The interrogation of Zabiuddin Ansari, alias Abu Jundal, on Sunday veered towards top LeT operative David Coleman Headley.
Jundal has told his crime branch interrogators that Headley had great standing among the LeT top brass. According to crime branch sources, Jundal said that he was introduced to Headley at an LeT training camp in Pakistan.
“Headley was introduced to me as Dawood Khan, one of LeT’s most efficient operatives. I did not meet him more than a few times, but on these occasions, I couldn’t help noticing that his suggestions were always treated with more seriousness and importance than others,” Jundal said.
Jundal has further said that he read about Headley’s arrest in the newspapers, and on seeing his pictures, recognised him as the same man, who he knew as Dawood.
Jundal followed subsequent news reports with interest, as he was curious about the Headley’s antecedents.
Headley was born Daood Sayed Gilani, but anglicised his south Asian name to avoid suspicion. He was arrested in the US while on his way to Pakistan, and his interrogation revealed that he played a key role in the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai.
He is believed to have come to Mumbai at least five times, and on these occasions, he conducted detailed reconnaissance of the places that were ultimately targeted in the attacks.
Headley has also been questioned by Indian agencies, and testified at the trial of Tahawwur Rana, another LeT operative.
Sources said that Jundal will be questioned further about his interactions with LeT operatives, and the outfit’s links to other terrorist organisations around the world.