Why is Tahawwur Rana’s NIA Custody Extended by 12 Days?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, a Special NIA court in Delhi has extended the custody of Pakistani-Canadian national Tahawwur Rana for an additional 12 days. This extension aims to further investigate his connections to the 2008 Mumbai attack that resulted in 166 fatalities, raising crucial questions about his involvement.
Key Takeaways
- Tahawwur Rana's custody extended by 12 days.
- 2008 Mumbai attack claimed 166 lives.
- Investigators seek to clarify Rana's role.
- Rana claims no involvement in the attack.
- Headley admits to reconnaissance for Lashkar-e-Taiba.
New Delhi, April 28 (NationPress) A Special NIA court in Delhi has granted an extension of 12 days to the custody of Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, with the federal anti-terror agency. This decision allows investigators to delve deeper into his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attack, which tragically claimed the lives of 166 individuals.
Special Judge Charan Jit Singh approved the request made by Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan, emphasizing the necessity for more time to clarify Rana's connections to the attack.
When brought to the heavily secured Patiala House Court near India Gate, the 64-year-old suspect appeared wearing a grey kurta and had his face concealed with a black hood. A contingent of heavily armed security personnel surrounded him as he made his way to the court.
Rana's 18-day remand concluded on Monday, prompting the court appearance for an extension of his custody with the NIA.
During the hearing, the NIA informed the court about Rana's alleged evasive strategies during their inquiries. The agency also expressed a need to transport Rana to various cities to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the terror attack.
Previously, the court instructed the NIA to conduct health assessments on Rana every 24 hours and facilitate conversations with his lawyers every two days.
While in custody, Rana was interrogated by officers from the Mumbai Police. He asserted that he had no connection to the planning or execution of the attack, attributing the responsibility solely to his childhood friend and co-accused, David Coleman Headley.
Headley, who has turned state's witness, previously confessed to conducting reconnaissance missions across India, particularly in Mumbai, on behalf of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Rana mentioned that he had traveled to Kerala besides Mumbai and Delhi, claiming the visit was to meet a known associate. He has provided the name and address of this person to the authorities.
Subsequently, sources indicated that a team from the Mumbai Crime Branch might soon head to Kerala to verify Rana's statements and question the individual named.
Rana, a former officer in the Pakistan Army’s Medical Corps, was extradited from the United States to face charges related to the Mumbai attack.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this case with utmost integrity and impartiality. The extension of custody for Tahawwur Rana is a crucial step in seeking justice for the victims of the Mumbai attack. It emphasizes the commitment of our authorities to thoroughly investigate all aspects of this tragic incident, ensuring that the truth prevails.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for extending Tahawwur Rana's custody?
The custody was extended to allow the NIA to further investigate Rana's involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attack.
How long is Tahawwur Rana's custody now extended?
Rana's custody has been extended by an additional 12 days.
What was Rana's claim during the interrogation?
Rana claimed he had no involvement in the planning or execution of the attack and attributed the responsibility to David Coleman Headley.
What role did David Coleman Headley play in the 2008 Mumbai attack?
Headley conducted reconnaissance missions across India for Lashkar-e-Taiba, providing critical information for the attack.
Where was Tahawwur Rana extradited from?
Rana was extradited from the United States to face legal proceedings in India.
