Mumbai market tries to erase memory of Headley office 26/11 plotter helped build

MUMBAI: The Immigration Law Centre's former location at Tardeo's AC Market has become virtually untraceable amidst the building's numerous commercial establishments. The history of this office, which was used as a cover by David Headley with the help of Tahawwur Rana in plotting one of India's most devastating terror attacks, remains a sensitive topic with occupants of various premises in the market.

From this office space, the Law Centre, established through Rana's financial support and Headley's planning, operated under the guise of helping workers obtain visas for North American countries. The premises were strategically chosen to facilitate Headley's surveillance activities across Mumbai and other Indian cities.

Rana, who operated an immigration services office in Chicago, US, as a cover for terrorist activities, established a Mumbai branch here at the suggestion of his childhood friend Headley two years before the 26/11 attacks, following directives from their Pakistani handlers.

According to Headley's court testimony, Rana provided financial backing for the office. Headley had hired a local woman to manage the office, who testified before the court later about Rana's visit to the office with a woman before the terror attacks.

While the immigration office was opened ostensibly to help skilled and unskilled workers get visas for the US and Canada, Headley used it as a cover to visit India, meet his contact and do recce of the possible targets.

Currently, the AC Market houses various commercial establishments, including advocates' chambers and those of immigration consultants. The building's narrow corridors lead to compact office spaces, with some units having just enough space for basic furniture.

The office's operations began on Nov 1, 2006, following a formal agreement with the landlord by Headley. Financial transactions between Rana and Headley were conducted through IndusInd Bank's Nariman Point branch, with multiple transfers used for setting up the office and for the recce of possible terror targets.

Present-day occupants of the AC Market offices, including new staff members and the society manager, maintain minimal knowledge about the tainted office's controversial past. Renovation of nearby office spaces and a regular turnover of tenants have contributed to the gradual erasure of this contentious past from local memory.

Prior to the 26/11 attacks, Rana and his wife undertook extensive travels across India, visiting multiple cities including Delhi, Agra, Kochi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Headley's last documented interaction at the premises was on July 16, 2008, when he secured an extension for the office licence.

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