Puzzle for NIA: Who funded Headley?

NEW DELHI: David Coleman Headley had spent huge amounts of money, alternating between using his credit card and fake Indian currency notes (FICN), during his nine trips to India between 2006 and 2009. The bills amounting to lakhs of rupees were run up by Headley on account of his accommodation, travel, entertaining contacts and even showering his girl friends with gifts such as bracelets.

NIA is now scrutinising as to who was depositing money in Headley’s accounts to help him take care of his huge credit card bills, especially since the Pakistan-born US citizen had no regular employment or source of income.

Also, the fact that he was using FICN has come to light as there were many places where he is found to have stayed without making a single credit card transaction but having indulged in huge expenses nevertheless. He is believed to have sourced FICN from Pakistan.

As per a footnote attached to the fresh evidence filed against Headley’s accomplice Tahawwur Rana on Tuesday, the terror duo had discussed Somnath temple, Bollywood stars, Shiv Sena leaders and NDC as “targets’’ during their conversation on September 7, 2009. Somnath, one of the 12 jyotirlingas across the country, is situated bang on the western coast in Gujarat, which leaves it vulnerable to sea-borne attacks launched from Pakistan.

According to the NIA’s probe into Rana’s sole visit to India just before 26/11 strikes, he picked up items worth lakhs from leading malls and shopping centres in Mumbai, all of which he left behind with his UP-based sister. NIA is now checking out as to which malls he may have visited. Incidentally, Rana had also visited the Taj Mahal in Agra with his wife.