The NIA is interrogating terrorist Tahawwur Rana. He will soon face a mystery witness, once a close associate, now a key witness in the case.
New Delhi – Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a close associate of David Coleman Headley, the main conspirator in the 26/11 Mumbai attack, is undergoing intense interrogation by the NIA following his extradition from the United States. According to the investigating agency, Rana will soon be presented before a mystery witness (Protected Witness), who was once a close confidante but is now proving to be a key witness in the case.
Headley's Welcomer Turned Witness
Sources indicate this witness is the individual who, at Rana's behest, welcomed David Headley to Mumbai in 2006 and arranged his accommodation. Headley subsequently conducted videography of Mumbai under the instructions of the ISI and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The witness's identity is kept confidential for security reasons, but this individual will now form the best part of the NIA's chargesheet against Rana.
Rana's ISI Connections
Several crucial points emerged during the NIA's 18-day interrogation of Rana:
- His relationship with Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI
- His trips to India with David Headley
Potential Terror Targets Identified
Rana, along with his wife, visited Delhi, Agra, Hapur, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai in November 2008. These visits are believed to be connected to terrorist plots.
Crime Scene Recreation Possible
The investigating agency may take Rana to various parts of the country for Crime Scene Recreation to reconstruct the events leading up to the 26/11 attacks.
The NIA has informed the court that Rana conspired to target not only Mumbai but other cities in the country as well.
Rana in High-Security Custody
Rana is being held in a high-security cell at the NIA Headquarters in Delhi. CRPF and Delhi Police personnel provide 24x7 security. Security around the NIA office has also been heightened.
