Girl in hotel, Rs 2000 pastry…one message and Mumbai attack, connection of Israel-US, Iran-Bangladesh
26/11 Attack: Pakistani-American David Coleman Headley stayed in Mumbai from March 20 to June 7, 2007, scouting and choosing locations for the 26/11 attacks. During a 2011 FBI interrogation he confessed that he had surveyed Pune’s German Bakery and identified Chabad Houses in Delhi, Pushkar, and Pune for the attacks. On the anniversary of the Mumbai attacks, let’s delve into the story of Headley and his associate Tahawwur Rana.
The Bloody Plot Began at a Bakery in Colaba
According to a book – ‘Headley and I’ by S. Hussain Zaidi, the journalist and author of Dongri to Dubai and Black Friday, Headley admitted that he had found a famous bakery in Colaba, where he became a regular visitor. At the counter, a beautiful young girl caught his attention.
Bought Rs 2,000 Pastry to Impress Girl
Headley told the FBI that he decided to befriend the girl and take her out to dinner. To impress her, he purchased a Rs 2,000 pastry. This is how he befriended the girl. Although they met several times. He confessed that women were his weakness, but his efforts with her didn’t succeed.
Messages from Tahawwur Rana and Pune Surveillance
During this time, Headley received messages from his co-accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana, originating from Karachi and allegedly directed by their handlers in the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI. Headley was instructed to visit Pune.
By July, the Attack Locations Were Decided
According to Headley, many foreigners used to visit the bakery in the evenings to purchase bakery items. By July 2008, after returning from Pune, his targets were finalized. He decided that South Mumbai areas and Pune’s German Bakery were suitable for the attacks.
Headley and Rana Informed ISI About the Targets
As per the Federation of American Scientists, ISI officers, including Major Iqbal, gave instructions to Headley and Tahawwur Hussain Rana. Canadian citizen Rana and Headley scouted locations for the attack and reported their findings to their handlers.
Bakeries Targeted Due to Presence of Jews
According to the Federation of American Scientists, bakeries like Pune’s German Bakery and others in Mumbai were targeted by terrorists because they had footfall of Jews and Americans.
What Happened on November 26? How Many Terrorists Were Involved?
The 26/11 Mumbai attacks were carried out by 10 terrorists trained by Lashkar-e-Taiba. They arrived from Karachi on a boat and later hijacked the Indian vessel MV Kuber. Upon reaching Mumbai, the terrorists launched attacks at multiple locations.
Three Days of Terror
On night of November 26, 2008, the city of Mumbai was shocked by an unexpected eruption of violent attacks. The horror seeped into various spots in the city – upscale hotels, a healthcare center, train stations, and a center of Jewish community. It all started at the Leopold Café and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, reaching its finale at the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel. It was a gruelling task, and it took more than 80 hours for the security forces to finally gain control of the widespread chaos.
Kasab Executed, Nine Gunmen Killed
Mumbai Police succeeded in capturing the main accused, Ajmal Amir Kasab, alive. The other nine terrorists were killed in police operations. In February 2009, the police filed their first charge sheet, comprising over 11,000 pages and listing more than 2,000 witnesses.
Abu Jundal Behind Bars, Facing Trial
Another accused in the Mumbai attacks, Zabiuddin Ansari is accused of aiding the 10 terrorists who entered Mumbai. He is currently facing trial. The police relied on Kasab’s testimony, which revealed that Jundal had taught him Hindi.
Efforts to Extradite Tahawwur Rana Continue
India is attempting to extradite Pakistani-origin Tahawwur Rana from the United States. Recently, Rana appealed against his extradition to the U.S. Supreme Court. On August 15 this year, a U.S. federal court approved his extradition to India under the India-U.S. Extradition Treaty.
Headley Sentenced to 35 Years in the U.S.
Pakistani-American David Coleman Headley admitted in 2011 to helping terrorists plan the attacks. In January 2013, a U.S. federal court sentenced him to 35 years in prison.
India Demands Hafiz Saeed and Lakhvi’s Extradition
Hafiz Saeed, the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has been imprisoned since 2019 along with leaders of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa in various terrorism financing cases. Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the mastermind behind the Mumbai attacks, is listed on the UN sanctions list. India has repeatedly demanded Pakistan hand over both individuals.
