State intelligence to look into Headley’s claims: RR Patil

Home minister RR Patil wants the state intelligence team to look into claims made by David Headley, the main witness in the trial of Tahawwur Rana being held in a Chicago court, and investigate the security lapses involved. HT reports.

Home minister RR Patil wants the state intelligence team to look into claims made by David Headley, the main witness in the trial of Tahawwur Rana being held in a Chicago court, and investigate the security lapses involved.

HT Image

“I have asked the state intelligence to write to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and ask for the report on Headley’s claims. The report will come through the central government,” said Patil on Monday.

In his testimony, Headley made several claims with regards to the November 26, 2008, terror attacks. Headley spoke of plans to assassinate Sena chief Bal Thackeray. He also claimed to have visited Shiv Sena Bhavan and conducted a recce at other locations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Gateway of India. Headley also mentioned meeting ‘Shiv Sena PRO Rajaram Rege.’

“Police security given to the Sena Bhavan and to Thackeray is reviewed from time to time. So, if we get alerts we increase security. But we need to probe the claims made by Rege that he met Headley inside the Sena Bhavan,” Patil added.

Pune police commissioner Meeran Borwankar has prepared the report.