In a new twist to the Headley case, it now turns out that the US national arrested for plotting terror strikes in India was in touch with another American who has been living in India on a tourist visa for nine years and running a massage parlour.
During the probe by the National Investigation Agency, it has emerged that Lashkar-e-Tayiba terror suspect David Headley got in touch with the American and his female companion through his Moroccan girlfriend in Manali, Home Ministry officials said.
The American was later spotted in Goa. A scrutiny of his travel documents surprised the security officials who found that he has been living in India on a tourist visa for the last nine years. "He has been doing everything--setting up business, running a massage parlour, tourist centre etc," they said.
The couple has been interrogated by the National Investigative Agency which has recorded their statement. The American and his companion admitted to knowing the Moroccan woman, who according to the security agencies, was in Manali doing reconnaissance of a Jewish centre.
49-year-old Headley was arrested in October for plotting terror strikes in India at the behest of Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Tayiba. Headley has been chargesheeted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for being part of the criminal conspiracy behind the 26/11 in Mumbai attacks.
Among his targets were the National Defence College in Delhi, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh headquarters in Nagpur and some film studios and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Mumbai.
