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In a startling revelation, Lashkar-e-Taiba operative Faheem Ansari alias Sahil Pavaskar told the police that he had surveyed 20 prominent locations in Mumbai, including the police commissioner's office, for possible terrorist attacks.
Documents available with MiD DAY indicate that Ansari also visited places like the DGP's office, Navy Nagar, BSE building, Haji Ali dargah, BARC, airport, Wankhede stadium and the race course at Mahalaxmi.
He also carried out a detailed study of the Taj Mahal Hotel that was attacked on 26/11. Churchgate station and Gateway of India were also on the hit list.
Investigators said that Ansari and his key associate Sabauddin Ahmed alias Sanjeev were asked to prepare the blue print for an attack in Mumbai, during their stint in Pakistan. The plot was masterminded by Yusuf alias Muzammil and Zarrar Shah, a key ISI operative.
Ansari and Ahmed, both remanded to police custody till December 31 yesterday evening, had undergone special naval commando training with Mohammed Ajmal Qasab and other recruits last year.
"The confessions will also throw fresh light on Pakistan's sinister plans and LeT's role in the Mumbai attacks," said Additional Commissioner of Police (crime) Devan Bharti.
UP ATS SP Avinash Mishra said that the LeT operatives were commanded by Abu Hamza, key suspect in the attack at Indian Institute of Sciences in Bangalore last year.
"It is very likely that some of the suspects involved in 26/11 were part of the Bangalore plot," said Mishra. |