'LeT tried 'Kasab for hostages swap'

NEW DELHI: The Centre has denied that there was any negotiation with LeT during the Mumbai strikes, but according to a chargesheet filed in a Chicago court there was ‘Kasab for hostages swap’ talks. Federal authorities have said that the Pakistani handlers of the LeT men wanted to obtain the release of captured gunman Kasab in exchange for the hostages held by the terrorists.

A US federal grand jury in its 12-count indictment against terror suspects Tahawwur Rana and David Coleman Headley gave extensive details of the planning of the Mumbai attack and how Lashkar-e-Toiba leaders guided their men during the four-day siege beginning November 26, 2008.

Pakistani-origin Chicago resident Rana was indicted by the jury here along with American citizen Headley on charges of preparing the groundwork and providing material support for LeT to carry out the Mumbai terror attack.

During the course of the attacks, the gunmen were in telephonic contact with three LeT leaders identified as Members A, B and C — all of whom were located in Pakistan. And in the course of the attacks, they were advised to, among other actions, kill hostages and throw grenades. “LeT member A also sought to arrange the release of a hostage in exchange for the release of a captured attacker,” the chargesheet said. According to the chargesheet, the 10 young Pakistani men were given extensive training by LeT in July-August 2008. The terrorists were given training in various skills, including combat tactics, room entry, hostage rescue, nautical training and swimming.