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Headley, Rana were in Pak during 26/11: Centre

Last updated on: November 16, 2009 20:45 IST

David Headley and Tawahur Hussain Rana who had surveyed several targets in Mumbai which were attacked by the Lashkar-e-Tayiba were in Pakistan at the time of the Mumbai attack, Home secretary G K Pillai said.

Pillai also told rediff.com that they have not yet treated Rahul Bhatt as a suspect in the case. However a clean chit has not been given as yet and the investigating agencies are still questioning him. It is too premature to say anything on him but his links are still being probed by the investigating team.

On Headly and Rana, the home secretary said that invetigations have revealed that the duo were holed up in Pakistan when the attack on Mumbai was taking place. The duo were in Mumbai a couple of days prior to the attack and then left for Pakistan, investigations have revealed.

When asked about the role they played in the attack, the home secretary said several details are emerging on this angle. Investigations would bring out a clearer picture very soon, he said.

The Intelligence Bureau which is also looking into the case say that the duo were  constant touch with Abu Jundal, one of the key handlers of the Mumbai attack. The duo could have met with Jundal at Pakistan and helped monitor the attack, the IB says.

Vicky Nanjappa in Bengaluru