Headley's golf class comes under lens; NIA quizzes socialites

Investigators have found out about US terror suspect David Headley's frequent visits to a golf course in Mumbai, which is often visited by western diplomats and socialites, with whom he had struck a rapport.

Investigators have found out about US terror suspect David Headley's frequent visits to a golf course in Mumbai, which is often visited by western diplomats and socialites, with whom he had struck a rapport.

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According to sources privy to the investigations, the 49-year-old American national, arrested from Chicago airport and currently in FBI custody, spent considerable time at the Golf course and the National Investigation Agency is now recording the statement of witnesses.

Some of the witnesses told investigators that Headley had long chats in the club with western diplomats and the "friendship" started with learning basics of golf. He had purchased a golf kit ostensibly to pick up the elite sport but authorities now believe this was perhaps a cover to get to know diplomats and business personalities who frequented the club, the sources said.

A well-known socialite of the city was also undergoing questioning for several hours by the NIA to find out more about how Headley, known as Daood Gilani till he changed name in 2006 to avoid any suspicion, was successful in getting friendly with some diplomats, the sources said.