26/11 Accused Tahawwur Rana’s NIA Custody Extended by 12 Days
A Delhi court on Monday extended the NIA custody of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, by 12 days after the expiry of his initial 18-day remand.
Special NIA Judge Chander Jit Singh passed the order after Rana was produced before the court under heavy security cover, his face concealed. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) sought additional custody to further interrogate Rana in connection with his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
The 64-year-old Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman was first remanded to NIA custody on April 10 after his extradition from the United States. The agency alleged that Rana was a key conspirator who had prior knowledge of the terror plot executed by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives.
The NIA informed the court that co-accused David Coleman Headley, currently serving a sentence in the US, had discussed the entire operational plan with Rana before visiting India. Headley, who had pleaded guilty to his role in scouting locations for the attacks, had previously identified Rana as a collaborator.
The agency emphasized that Rana’s custodial interrogation was critical to unearth the complete conspiracy behind the attacks that left 166 people dead, including foreign nationals.
Rana’s court appearance was held amid heightened security, considering the sensitivity of the case. Officials confirmed that he remained uncooperative during parts of his previous interrogation sessions, prompting the need for extended custody.
The court observed that further interrogation was necessary in view of the gravity of the charges against him.
The 2008 Mumbai attacks were one of the deadliest terror strikes in India’s history, carried out by ten LeT terrorists who targeted multiple locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and the Oberoi Trident Hotel.
David Headley’s reconnaissance missions were critical in planning the attacks. Rana, as alleged by Indian investigators, facilitated Headley’s travel and provided cover through his Chicago-based immigration business.
Rana will remain in NIA custody for the next 12 days as the agency continues its probe. Further court proceedings are expected after the completion of the extended custodial period.
