Let us now focus on another mastermind and lead plotter Lakhvi, whose voice was recorded by intelligence agencies directing the terrorists, while the attacks were going on. It is difficult to forget the instructions they shot. “Set the curtain on fire …” He once told the terrorists who entered the Taj Hotel. At the Nariman House, he asked for the execution of the hostages, warning the terrorists to the fact that the National Security Guards were being parachted on the roof of the Chabad House.
Many journalists, including me – had reached Nia’s interrogation of Headley and the same report said: After the Mumbai attack, Zaki (Lakhvi) was arrested and kept in Adiala Jail. ISI DG, Sujja Pasha had claimed before Headley that he met Zaki when he was in jail.
Lakhvi later got bail, but NIA officials told me that while in jail, Lakhvi had free access to a phone and his family was also free to meet him. He also gave birth to a child while in jail.
While Lakhvi’s hideouts are unknown, his patron Saeed has been convicted by a Pakistani court – not for his role in Mumbai attacks – but on allegations of money laundering. According to Pillai, both can be in friendly custody of ISI, who are living in guest houses and are guests of the Government of Pakistan. Headley is also, he believes that a new identity and a new address can be given.
Claimer – Mainly on television – has already started to hang Rana, but it is important to remember that true justice will be served only when the mastermind is brought to book. However, this is a Hercules function. Rana is in, but it is Headley, Saeed and Lakhvi who are prominent. The American will not participate with their agent and Pakistan has ignored all the dosier presented by India, called them “a piece of literature”.
This is a bitter truth. There is also another fact: India and Pakistan do not have extradition treaty. This is also insignificant because Pakistan will never let its property or non-state actors go as they are called.
Postscript: Former Union Home Secretary GK Pillai spoke of the copying of America. Here is another example: The US declared a reward of $ 10 million in 2012 for Hafiz Saeed information. He continued to perform public demonstrations and even then threatened both India and America. Raising her was easier than killing Osama bin Laden, which was hidden for years. But then, a nation’s terrorist is not necessarily a terrorist of another country.
(Harinder Baweja is a senior journalist and writer. She has been reporting on current affairs with special emphasis on struggle for the last four decades. She can be reached on Instagram and X on @Shammybaweja. This is an opinion, and expressed ideas expressed. The Quint Neither endors nor responsible for them.)
