On April 10, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) told a Delhi court that it suspects key 26/11 conspirator Tahawwur Rana was involved in plotting terror attacks similar to the 2008 Mumbai attacks in multiple Indian cities. These revelations came as the agency sought and was granted 18-day custody of Rana by Special Judge Chander Jit Singh.
Key Points from the Court Proceedings:
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The NIA emphasized the need for Rana’s extended custodial interrogation, saying it was crucial to uncover the broader terror network that may have planned 26/11-style attacks in other parts of India.
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The court has mandated that:
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Rana undergo a medical examination every 24 hours.
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He may meet his lawyer every alternate day, in the presence of NIA officials but within audible distance.
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He can only use a soft-tip pen, which is a standard security precaution in high-profile terrorism cases.
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What the NIA Argued:
According to sources:
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The agency suspects that tactics used in the Mumbai attacks—which killed 166 people and injured over 238—were possibly adapted for attacks in other cities.
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Rana’s interrogation is needed to reconstruct events from 17 years ago, including visits to specific locations relevant to the 26/11 plot, to help understand how deep the conspiracy ran.
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The NIA’s legal team, supported by high-ranking officials including DIGs, an IG, and five Delhi Police DCPs, was present during the hearing, highlighting the case’s national security significance.
Background on Tahawwur Rana:
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Tahawwur Hussain Rana is a Pakistani-origin Canadian national currently facing extradition from the U.S. to India for his alleged involvement in the Mumbai terror attacks.
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He is accused of assisting David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani-American who scouted targets for the 26/11 attackers.
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While U.S. courts had previously convicted Rana on related charges, India has sought his direct custodial interrogation to unearth further leads on the planning and execution of the attacks.
This development marks a major step in India's continuing efforts to bring all 26/11 perpetrators to justice and to possibly prevent future terror threats inspired by that attack model. Would you like updates on the NIA's findings during Rana's custody period?
