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35 years to Headley an injustice, it’s all US hypocrisy: Rahul Bhatt

On Thursday, as Rahul Bhatt, son of Bollywood filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, turned 31, his mind wasn’t on any celebrations, but on the perpetrator of the worst terror attack that India has ever seen.

Updated on: Jan 25, 2013, 01:53:09 IST
Hindustan Times | By , Mumbai
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On Thursday, as Rahul Bhatt, son of Bollywood filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, turned 31, his mind wasn’t on any celebrations, but on the perpetrator of the worst terror attack that India has ever seen.

HT Image
HT Image

"He is the monster because of whom Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was able to execute the barbaric and horrible act," says Rahul Bhatt when asked about David Coleman Headley, alias Daood Gilani. Rahul met Headley by chance at the gym; he thought Headley was an American tourist and was shocked when he learned the truth.

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“At first, I could not believe it was Headley. Then there was mention of Rahul being his contact in Mumbai. I realizsed I would be mistaken if I took each of these as a coincidence. This is when I voluntarily decided to go and tell everything I knew of Headley to the police,” said Rahul.

Rahul was questioned extensively by Intelligence Bureau and NIA sleuths.

“I could feel sweat dripping of my forehead, when one of the IB officials questioned me on the messages I had sent to Headley,” says Rahul.

Cleared off all charges Rahul began afresh, learning from his experience and trying to chart a new course for his future.

“My life is categorised as before Headley and after Headley. A book has been written, and the book would be made into a movie in the near future,” Rahul says.

The film aims to tell the common man about the ills of the system, because Rahul Bhatt believes that it would have been a tougher journey for him had he not been Mahesh Bhatt’s son.

  • Presley Thomas
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Presley Thomas

    Presley Thomas heads the crime and legal team of Hindustan Times, Mumbai. Has been a journalist since the last 16 years and has worked with various national dailies. Covers defence and terrorism, and has reported from various states across the countryRead More

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