‘Being interrogated for 8-10 hours daily; asked for pen, paper and Quran’: Inside 26/11 plotter Tahawwur Rana’s NIA custody
NEW DELHI: 26/11 mastermind Tahawwur Rana is currently being interrogated daily for up to ten hours by National Investigation Agency (NIA) over his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, news agency PTI reported citing sources. Rana arrived in New Delhi on Thursday following his extradition from the United States.
The NIA aims to uncover a wider conspiracy behind the attacks, which killed 166 people and injured over 230.
Rana is being held in a high-security cell at the NIA headquarters in Delhi’s CGO Complex. According to PTI sources, he has been cooperating with investigators led by Chief Investigating Officer Jaya Roy. So far, Rana has requested a pen, some paper or a notepad, and a Quran—all of which have been provided.
He has raised no special food demands and is being given standard meals as per protocol.
As per PTI sources, the 64-year-old Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman, is being held in a high-security cell at the anti-terror agency’s CGO Complex office. He is under constant guard and is being interrogated based on evidence collected during the agency’s investigation, including a large number of phone calls with co-conspirator David Coleman Headley.
The Delhi court granted the NIA 18 days of custody, stressing the gravity of the charges and the national security threat they pose. The court also directed medical check-ups every 48 hours and permitted Rana to meet his lawyer, following due legal process and the conditions outlined in the extradition agreement.
Rana faces multiple charges including conspiracy to commit murder, waging war against India, and planning terrorist acts under the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These charges stem from his alleged involvement with David Coleman Headley, a key figure in the Mumbai attacks who is currently imprisoned in the US.
The NIA believes Rana may provide crucial information about reconnaissance visits to various Indian cities before the 2008 attacks and about his communication with operatives of the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group. Investigators are also examining potential links between Rana and senior figures in terror outfits such as LeT and Harkat-ul Jihadi Islami (HuJI), along with suspected involvement of Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI officers.
The court said that the case has international dimensions, with multiple Indian cities identified as potential targets. It also pointed out the need to confront Rana with key witnesses, documents, and forensic evidence.
