Headley grilled by NIA team, answers all questions

Washington, Jun 11 (ANI): Pakistan based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba's operative, David Coleman Headley, answered all the questions of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) team in Chicago in connection with his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

The four-member NIA team led by Loknath Bahera, questioned Headley directly, drawing information about his role in the Mumbai attacks.

A US Justice Department statement said, Headley and his counsel agreed to the meetings with the Indian investigators and Headley answered the Indian investigators' questions over the course of seven days of interviews.

Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador to the US Meera Shankar said: "The Indian Government requested the US Government for access to question US national, David Coleman Headley, who has been charged for his role in the planning of the Mumbai terrorist attack of November 26, 2008.

"Following discussions with US Attorney General Eric Holder a team from the National Investigation Agency of India has visited the US for questioning David Headley."

Ambassador Shankar said the questioning started on June 3 and went on for several days, and added that the NIA team is now returning to India on the conclusion of a useful visit.

"The Government of India attaches importance to this in investigating the full dimension of this heinous act of terrorist violence. The support and cooperation extended by the US authorities is appreciated and is in keeping with the commitment of the two countries to strengthen their cooperation in meeting the challenge of terrorism," she said.

On March 18, Headley had pleaded guilty to conspiring in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in November 2008, as well as later planning to attack a Danish newspaper. (ANI)