Met Headley outside Sena Bhawan for 2 mins: Ex-Sena member

MUMBAI: A former member of Shiv Sena, whose name was mentioned by David Headley while testifying in the court here today, said he had met the Pakistani-American terrorist outside the Sena Bhawan just for two minutes and flatly declined his request to gain access into the building.

Headley told the court that he was interested in developing close relations with a Shiv Sena member as he thought LeT would be interested to either attack the Sena Bhawan or "assassinate its head", a reference to Bal Thackeray.

"Headley had met me outside the Sena Bhavan with one Vilas Warke. He wanted me to show him the Sena Bhavan from inside but I had flatly declined his request. My meeting with him had only lasted two minutes," Rajaram Rege said.

He added that he did not know Headley or Warke prior to the meet.

"I was questioned by investigation agencies in the past after the 26/11 attacks as well. Even now, I am completely ready to co-operate with them," he said, adding that contrary to rumours that he has shifted to the Konkan region of Maharashtra, he continues to reside in Mumbai.

"I have not been called by the Sena leadership as yet. I will answer whatever I am asked," he said.

Headley while testifying in the court via video-link from the US in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, said, "I met one Rajaram Rege inside Shiv Sena Bhawan in Dadar during 2006-2007. I attempted to develop closer relation with him."

"I was interested in accessing that building (Shiv Sena Bhawan) at that time. I thought LeT would be interested in the future to either attack the Shiv Sena Bhawan or assassinate its head," he said.