David Coleman Headley, What Did He Tell The Court On 26/11 Terror Attacks And How Does That Matter?

David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, deposed as a witness in the case on Monday.In his admission, he has named Pakistan's ISI of direct involvement in the 2008 attack. He made the admission in front of a TADA court in Mumbai from the US through video conferencing.

Who is Headley?

David Coleman Headley is an American citizen of Pakistani origin. His real name was  Daood Sayeed Gilani. After being arrested for drug trafficking in 1988, he agreed to become an informant for the Drug Enforcement Administration, in the US. He joined Lashkar-e-Taiba in 2002, and completed their course in 'Jihad'.

How is he connected to 26/11?

He had visited Mumbai seven times prior to the attacks on November 26, 2008. His visits were aimed at plotting the attack.
Wile in Mumbai, he stayed in both the Taj Mahal and the Oberoi Trident which were targeted by LeT. Headley is currently in a US jail where he is serving 35 years for his role in the Mumbai attacks.

What did he tell the TADA court?

Headley said he joined LeT after being inspired by the speeches of its head Hafeez Saeed, and did LeT’s work on directions of Saeed.

He got the Indian Visa through Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was his schoolmate in a military school in Punjab province. Rana had became a doctor in Pakistan Army.
He was introduced to ISI's Major Iqbal  by a fellow LeT operative called Sajid Mir who was his main contact in the terror group. 

First attempt to attack Mumbai was made in September, 2008, but the boat hit rocks in the ocean, and weapons and explosives were lost, but those on board survived. A second attempt was made in October 2008, but even this attack failed. The third attempt was made in November 2008, which was 'successful'.

Headley admitted that all details except the place of birth, date of birth, mother’s nationality and passport number, were incorrect in his visa application. 

He also told that he recced the vice president’s house in New Delhi, India Gate and the CBI headquarters as potential targets. 

Why does his admission matter in 26/11 trial?

Headley's evidence might help the prosecution's bid to nail alleged co-conspirator and handler of the 26/22 terrorists, suspected LeT operative Zabihuddin Ansari, alias Abu Jundal.

It will also help in nailing Pakistan’s lies in connection with the attacks.  Pakistan as so far maintained that there was no evidence against Saeed or Lakhvi in the attack.

Headley's admissions also point the figures directly to the Pakistan Army and the ISI in the attack. Pakistan had always claimed that the attack was carried out by 'non-state actors'.