Tahawwur Rana in NIA Custody: 26/11 Attack Interrogation Begins

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Key 26/11 Mumbai attacks plotter Tahawwur Rana is now in India.
Rana has been extradited from the US after a protracted legal battle.
Upon arrival in Delhi, NIA arrested Rana and secured 18-day custody.
NIA’s interrogation will focus on Tahawwur Rana’s ISI and LeT links.
The questioning aims to uncover the full conspiracy behind the 26/11 attacks.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

- Advertisement -

Tahawwur Rana in NIA Custody: Agency Prepares to Unravel 26/11 Conspiracy

Tahawwur Rana, a key conspirator in the horrific 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is now in the custody of India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA). Following his extradition from the United States, he was remanded to 18 days of NIA custody on Thursday night. The interrogation of Tahawwur Rana commenced today. The NIA aims to delve deep into his involvement alongside notorious figures like David Headley in the conspiracy.

- Advertisement -

Extradition and Immediate Arrest

Rana, a 64-year-old Pakistani-origin Canadian national, landed in Delhi via a special flight. He was immediately arrested by the NIA upon arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. His extradition marks a significant diplomatic and legal victory for India, culminating after a long legal battle in the US courts.

- Advertisement -

Court Proceedings and Custody

Following the arrest, Rana was produced before a special court at Patiala House in a late-night hearing. The NIA sought a 20-day remand for Tahawwur Rana. The agency argued that his custodial interrogation is crucial. It is needed to unravel the full scope of the conspiracy behind the coordinated attacks. These attacks were carried out by 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives on November 26, 2008. The NIA presented clinching evidence, including email records, to support its plea. However, the court granted custody for 18 days, until April 29. The court also inquired if Rana wished to appoint his own lawyer or preferred court-appointed legal aid.

NIA’s Intensive Interrogation Plan

Starting today, the NIA will interrogate Tahawwur Rana intensively. The questioning will primarily focus on three critical aspects. These include the 26/11 terror attacks plot, his links with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and the involvement of Pakistan’s spy agency, the ISI. A dedicated 12-member team of NIA officers will conduct the interrogation. This team is led by DIG Jaya Roy, who played a key role in securing Rana’s extradition.

High-Security Arrangements

Tahawwur Rana is being held in a high-security lockup at the NIA headquarters. His 14×14 cell is under constant CCTV surveillance. Food and other provisions are arranged within the cell itself. Special precautions are in place. Round-the-clock guards ensure he does not attempt self-harm to evade questioning. The interrogation will take place in an adjoining room on the third floor. This room is also under camera surveillance. Interrogations are expected to commence after 11 a.m., following a strategic meeting of senior officials.

Goal: Unmasking the Full Conspiracy

During this custody period, the NIA plans comprehensive interrogations. The aim is to elucidate the full extent of the conspiracy. This conspiracy led to the tragic deaths of 166 people. It also injured over 238 during the Mumbai attacks. Significantly, eight other investigative agencies have also approached the NIA. They seek permission to question Tahawwur Rana. Once the NIA’s custodial interrogation concludes, Rana will be lodged at Delhi’s Tihar jail. Heightened security measures are already in place there in anticipation of his arrival.

Legal Process and Charges

Court records related to the original 26/11 trial were submitted in advance. They were presented to the Delhi court presided over by District Judge Vimal Kumar Yadav. The NIA’s prosecution team will be led by senior criminal lawyer Dayan Krishnan. Special Public Prosecutor Narendra Mann will also be part of the team. Tahawwur Rana faces serious charges. These include criminal conspiracy, waging war against India, murder, and offences under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Deep Ties with David Headley

Tahawwur Rana is known to be a close associate of David Headley. Headley was one of the prime conspirators of the 26/11 attacks. Headley himself had testified earlier. He stated that Rana provided crucial logistical and financial support for the terrorist operation. The arrest and interrogation of Tahawwur Rana are expected to shed further light on the roles played by the ISI and LeT in the 26/11 attack conspiracy. This questioning could provide vital leads for intelligence agencies.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

Tahawwur Rana, a key 26/11 Mumbai attacks conspirator, is in 18-day NIA custody.
He was extradited from the US and arrested upon arrival in Delhi.
NIA will interrogate him extensively on the 26/11 plot, LeT, and ISI links.
Rana is known as a close associate of David Headley, providing crucial support.
Tahawwur Rana faces serious UAPA charges, including waging war against India and murder.