New Delhi, Nov 25 (NationPress) Officials involved in the investigation of the Mumbai 26/11 attack assert that it remains one of the most intricate probes, with the connection to Pakistan being overtly evident, yet several significant enigmas linger.

A critical inquiry raised post-attack was whether the ten assailants could have executed their operation without local assistance.

There were reports of a woman accompanying the attackers to the Lady Cama hospital that night.

This information was forwarded to the Ram Pradhan Committee, yet it was not investigated.

This committee was established to assess security failures and recommend enhancements for the police force to better manage similar situations in the future.

During the hearings, a complaint was lodged regarding a burqa-clad woman who allegedly directed the terrorists to the Lady Cama hospital.

Moreover, it was revealed that the terrorists did not arrive in Mumbai on the day of the attack, and this woman is believed to have harbored them in the days leading up to the incident.

Unfortunately, the committee could not pursue this issue as it fell outside its mandate.

At the time, the Central government was apprised of the situation, but no further action was taken.

Authorities suggest that this woman might have been involved in a diesel smuggling operation and had connections to the Dawood Ibrahim syndicate. These crucial aspects were overlooked during the investigation, leading to the conclusion that the terrorists acted independently without local support.

There were also inquiries into whether David Headley operated solo during his several trips to Mumbai. He did cultivate relationships with influential locals during his stays, ostensibly to create a cover while he frequented the Taj Mahal Hotel and Trident-Oberoi.

Interestingly, when Headley conducted surveillance at the Taj, he possessed more detailed information than the security forces. One specific staircase within the hotel was utilized repeatedly by the terrorists to navigate between floors. Initially, some security agencies were unaware of this staircase's existence, as it was not indicated on their maps. Staff members eventually alerted officials about this access point. This lack of awareness contributed to delays in the response and significant casualties at the hotel.

Another enigmatic figure in this scenario is an individual known as Basheer. Every time Headley arrived in Mumbai, he was welcomed by Basheer. Headley himself acknowledged being greeted by this person upon his arrival.

Despite Headley’s admission regarding Basheer, little is known about him or his role, as this angle was never investigated.

The NIA is expected to concentrate on this element during their interrogation of Tahawwur Rana, who is currently in custody.

An official stated that every angle must be meticulously examined without leaving any stone unturned. This thorough investigation is vital for the case, and only then can real closure be achieved.

While assessing the extent of Pakistan's involvement in the assault, it is equally essential to explore local connections. Numerous individuals who may have participated in the attack remain at large, and it is crucial to ensure they face justice. After all, they were part of one of the largest conspiracies against the nation, as noted by another official.