New Delhi [India]: A Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on Friday ordered 18-day custody of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, one of the accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, following his extradition from the United States.
Rana arrived in India on Thursday after being extradited by U.S. authorities, marking a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. He was produced before the Special NIA Court the same evening under high security.
The NIA has presented strong evidence to support the need for Rana’s custodial interrogation. This includes key emails sent by him, which, according to the agency, offer vital insights into the planning of the attacks.
“Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley @ Daood Gilani, and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the devastating terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008. A total of 166 persons were killed and over 238 injured in the deadly attacks. Both LeT and HUJI have been declared as terrorist organisations by the Government of India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967,” the NIA said.
Investigators emphasized that Rana’s interrogation is essential to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and his personal role in coordinating the attacks.
According to the NIA, David Coleman Headley had discussed the entire plan with Rana prior to his trip to India. Anticipating potential complications, Headley reportedly emailed Rana, listing his possessions and revealing the involvement of Ilyas Kashmiri and Abdur Rehman in the plot.
Rana’s extradition was achieved after years of legal proceedings under the India-U.S. Extradition Treaty. He was held in judicial custody in the U.S. until he exhausted all legal avenues to prevent his transfer to India.
The agency hailed the extradition as a major step forward in bringing all conspirators of the 26/11 terror attacks to justice.