RSS leader Indresh Kumar backs Ved Pratap Vaidik as NIA prepares to question him on Saeed meeting

Sources in the home ministry say Vaidik could be questioned to know how he got access to Saeed, what he said and what he had gathered of the terror mastermind as a person.

Sources said Vaidik might be questioned as a witness in connection with 26/11 investigations, but may be treated as an accused later if something adverse comes up about his meeting with Saeed.

Under law, an investigation agency can question anyone who has had an interaction with an absconding accused. NIA has been investigating the Mumbai attacks and has questioned Pakistan-born US citizen David Coleman Headley.

In the case of Vaidik even Mumbai Crime Branch, which is also investigating the case, would have the right to call him for questioning.

A senior home ministry official said, "Vaidik should be questioned on how he managed to get access to Hafiz Saeed who is protected by the ISI. NIA has the right to question him and a decision on this would be taken in due course.

"If nothing, the agency would like to know what Saeed said about various things, what are his plans, if any revealed, and what kind of a person (apart from being a terrorist) he is. This would be valuable to investigations. He could be treated as witness as of now, but could turn an accused if something adverse is found."

Sources said Vaidik's interaction with Saeed is important as he is the only person in India outside of Kashmir who has had a one-on-one interaction with the LeT chief.

The Mumbai police readily sends summons to journalists who receive phone calls from underworld dons such as Dawood Ibrahim aide Chhota Shakeel and Chhota Rajan and records statements.

"Here Vaidik has had an interaction in Pakistan. It's very important," said an investigator.

Meanwhile, a case of sedition was filed against Vaidik in a Varanasi court by a local lawyer. The court has posted it for hearing on July 25.

Vaidik's visit to Pakistan and his subsequent interaction with Hafiz Saeed as a "journalist" has been called into question as the "interview" has not been published anywhere. It is not known whether as a "journalist", Vaidik asked Saeed about his involvement in 26/11 attacks and various other attacks perpetrated by LeT on Indian soil.