LeT Sought Kasab’s Release in Exchange for Hostages: US Chargesheet

An indictment chargesheet filed by a US federal grand jury for two suspects has revealed that the Pakistani handlers of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) men who attacked Mumbai on 26 November 2008 wanted to secure the release of captured gunmen Amir Ajmal Kasab in exchange for hostages held by the terrorists, reported PTI.

In a 12-count indictment against Tahawwur Hussain Rana and David Coleman Headley, the jury provided extensive details regarding the planning of the Mumbai attack and on how LeT leaders guided their men during the four-day siege, said report.

The jury revealed that the gunmen, during the attacks, were telephonically in touch with three LeT leaders identified as Members A, B and C, all of whom were located in Pakistan, said report.

Report said that the attackers were instructed, among other actions, to kill hostages and throw grenades during the attacks.

“LeT Member A also sought to arrange the release of a hostage in exchange for the release of a captured attacker,” the chargesheet said, reported PTI.

The chargesheet said that the 10 young Pakistani men were imparted extensive training by LeT in July-August 2008, said report.

The terrorists were given training in various skills including combat tactics, room entry, hostage rescue, nautical training and swimming. The attacks on multiple installations killed 166 people including six American nationals, report said.