New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its interrogation of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Sources confirmed that Rana was questioned for the second consecutive day on Saturday. The NIA is not only examining his direct role in the conspiracy but is also working to uncover the broader network of individuals who orchestrated the attacks from behind the scenes.
The agency is probing possible links between Rana and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim’s crime syndicate, D-Company. Investigators are scrutinizing multiple call recordings between Rana and David Coleman Headley to identify others involved in the planning and execution of the attack that shook the nation.
Lead Points to Mysterious Dubai Connection
A major lead has emerged involving a mysterious individual in Dubai, whom Rana allegedly met at the behest of David Headley. This person is believed to have prior knowledge of the attack plot. The NIA is investigating whether this individual was connected to Dawood Ibrahim or D-Company, raising fresh questions about the international dimensions of the 26/11 conspiracy.
Probing Possible ISI and LeT Links
The investigation is also focused on whether Rana had any direct or indirect ties with Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI or the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which masterminded the Mumbai attacks. Authorities suspect the conspiracy began as early as 2005. To assist in the investigation, new voice samples of Rana have been collected for forensic comparison with calls made immediately after the attacks.
NIA sources also suggest that Rana may have traveled across various parts of India before the attacks, possibly playing a crucial role in the groundwork of the terror operation.
High-Security Custody in Delhi
Rana was extradited from the United States and brought to India on Thursday evening. A Delhi court remanded him to 18 days of NIA custody, and he is currently being held in a high-security cell at the NIA headquarters in Delhi. The agency is interrogating him not just about the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, but also regarding potential plots to target other Indian cities.
Rana faces serious charges including criminal conspiracy, murder, and aiding terrorists.
26/11: The Terror That Shook India
On November 26, 2008, ten terrorists from Pakistan infiltrated Mumbai via sea and launched coordinated attacks at multiple locations including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, CST railway station, and Nariman House. The assault lasted three days, killing 166 people and injuring more than 230. The incident remains one of the deadliest terror strikes on Indian soil.
With Tahawwur Rana now in Indian custody, the NIA hopes this will mark a significant step forward in unearthing the complete conspiracy behind the attacks and ensuring justice is served to every victim of 26/11.
