Headley visa papers missing, probe on

The Govt has sought a factual report from the consulate in Chicago on the reported disappearance of visa papers of Mumbai terror conspirators David Coleman Headley and Tahawwur Rana, foreign secretary Nirupam Rao said on Wednesday. HT reports.

The government has sought a factual report from the consulate in Chicago on the reported disappearance of visa papers of Mumbai terror conspirators David Coleman Headley and Tahawwur Rana, foreign secretary Nirupam Rao said on Wednesday. India will also seek access to the two men, Rao said, but did not comment on charges about Headley being a double agent.

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The consulate in Chicago had issued visas to Headley, a US national of Pakistani origin and Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin to travel to India. “I have sought a factual report from our consul general in Chicago,” Rao said.

Rana and Headley had made several trips to Indian cities between 2006 and 2008 and allegedly helped Lashkar-e-Tayyeba operatives in Pakistan plan the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

“It’s a definite cause of concern. At some stage we would need access to the two,” Rao said. “We attach the highest importance to the unravelling of the conspiracy and seek access to full information coming out from these investigations.”

Rao added Indian and American intelligence agencies are in touch “24×7” and expressed satisfaction at the “very good cooperation” the two countries have.