Synopsis
In a recent interview, former ADGP PK Jain made startling assertions about Tahawwur Rana's pivotal role in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, linking him and David Headley to Lashkar-e-Taiba and the ISI's coordination.Key Takeaways
- Tahawwur Rana was a key figure in the 26/11 attacks.
- He and David Headley worked for Lashkar-e-Taiba.
- Rana used his role as a doctor to cover illicit activities.
- Detailed maps for the attacks were created by Headley.
- Rana was extradited to India in 2025.
New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) Former Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) PK Jain revealed significant details regarding Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, indicating that both Rana and his associate David Headley were primary agents of the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
In an exclusive interview with IANS, PK Jain claimed, "Tahawwur Rana is the architect of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. He was instrumental in organizing logistics for the operation and even established an office in Mumbai to aid in the planning of the attack. Headley, a former classmate, supported him throughout the mission in the city."
Jain elaborated that Rana, having worked as a doctor in the Pakistan Army, utilized that role to mask his involvement in illegal activities, including drug trafficking.
“He was previously apprehended in the United States for drug-related offenses. Nevertheless, his relationship with Headley remained intact since their school days. When Headley relocated to Canada, their collaboration persisted. Headley aided Rana in establishing an agency and financially supported it. They visited Mumbai under the guise of business to survey locations for the attacks,” Jain explained.
He disclosed that Headley created detailed maps of targeted areas in Mumbai with assistance from local contacts, including Mukesh Bhatt and his son Rahul Bhatt.
“Headley delivered these maps to his handlers in Pakistan. Both he and Rana were operating directly under the chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba, and photographic proof exists of their association with Hafiz Saeed. It is clear that the ISI coordinated their activities through LeT,” Jain stated.
In addition to the Mumbai attacks, Jain pointed out their plans for a similar terrorist strike in Denmark, which was ultimately thwarted. Rana was detained concerning that conspiracy and received a four-year prison sentence.
"Following his arrest in 2009, the Indian government sought his extradition, but the United States initially declined despite being provided with substantial evidence. It wasn't until 2019 that India formally submitted an extradition request, which was persistently followed up. Consequently, Tahawwur Rana was finally extradited to India in 2025," Jain concluded.
