Big guns join Headley probe

NIA has begun to explore links between the American terrorist and bomb blasts in the country

Big guns join Headley probe

NIA has begun to explore links between the American terrorist and bomb blasts in the country

In a significant development, the country's federal intelligence agency, National Investigation Agency (NIA) has now joined forces with other intelligence agencies and the Mumbai police to investigate David Coleman Headley's connection to the 26/11 attacks.

The NIA suspect that Headley and his associate Tahawwur Rana have links with Indian Mujahideen (IM) and could be involved in other blasts across the country too.

A three-member team visited AC Market at Tardeo yesterday afternoon to check the places from where Headley operated. They also questioned Headley's secretary.

The NIA team is also questioning the staff at the hotel in Fort where Headley stayed for about 15 days about his guests.

Meanwhile, investigators found that Headley had stayed at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower in March and May 2007.

Rana had stayed in a south Mumbai guest house till November 21, 2008, just five days before the attack. Headley's passport reveals he has made trips to several places including Karachi.

IM links

NIA officials are also checking records of some of the IM terrorists arrested by Anti Terrorist Squad. Sources said the NIA has sought all details of telephone calls made by Headley and Rana during his stint in Mumbai.

A senior police officer said that the team wants to confirm the places Headley visited in India.

Data from the phone records will reveal possible links with IM terrorists, the officer added.

The records are also expected to reveal other associates, who went underground after Headley's arrest.

About NIA

The National Investigation Agency is a federal agency formed in December 2008 after the 26/11 attacks. It can investigate terror-related crimes in any part of the country without seeking permission from the local police.