LeT attempted to kill Bal Thackeray, says Headley

MUMBAI: The Lashkar- e- Taiba (LeT) had plotted an attack on Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, and the man assigned to carry out the hit was arrested, but managed to escape, Pakistani-American t er rorist David Coleman Headley told the sessions court on Thursday. The 56-year-old operative, arrested for his role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, said over a video link from a US prison that he had even visited the Sena’s headquarters, the Shiv Sena Bhavan.

Headley is being cross-examined by Wahab Khan, the defence counsel for Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari, alias Abu Jundal, who is facing trial for the attacks.

“LeT wanted to target Thackeray. They wanted to kill him wherever they could find him in Mumbai,” Headley said in his deposition.

He said he did not have first- hand knowledge about the conspiracy, but had been informed of LeT’s plot to kill Bal Thackeray.

“I do not know which year, but an attempt was made and the person [ assassin] escaped from jail,” Headley added.

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