Tahar Husain Rana, a key conspirator in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, is being brought to India from the United States today. After almost 16 years, another accused in this heinous attack will finally face Indian law.
New Delhi: Tahar Husain Rana, one of the main conspirators in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, will now account for his crimes in India. After being extradited from the United States, a seven-member team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is bringing Rana to Delhi. Upon arrival in the national capital, he will undergo a medical examination before being presented in court.
Sources indicate that Rana will be held in a high-security ward of Tihar Jail. The jail administration has completed all preparations and is awaiting court orders.
Investigations to Commence Upon Arrival in Delhi
The seven-member NIA special team will arrive in Delhi with Tahar Rana on Thursday morning. Upon arrival, he will immediately undergo a medical examination, after which he will be presented before the NIA special court. The NIA will seek Rana's custody for extensive interrogation.
Interrogation Could Uncover Multiple Layers
According to NIA sources, the interrogation of Rana will not be limited to the 26/11 attacks. Efforts will be made to gather information on the roles of Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI, organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, and other international terrorist connections. Special sources indicate that attempts will also be made to ascertain who Rana aided in terrorist activities in India, where he sent Headley, and where plots against various institutions were hatched.
High-Security Confinement in Tihar
Sources have informed that Rana will be kept in the high-security unit of Tihar Jail. Special surveillance arrangements have been made for the 64-year-old Rana. The jail administration will take him into custody and implement robust security measures as per court orders. Tahar Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, had close ties with David Coleman Headley, who conducted reconnaissance for the 26/11 attacks. Rana assisted Headley in obtaining a fake business cover and visa, enabling Headley to enter India and plan the attacks.
Rana's extradition to India was not an easy process. However, after prolonged diplomatic efforts under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the US allowed his handover. President Joe Biden's administration, deciding in favor of India, gave final approval for extradition last month.
A Major Diplomatic Victory for the Modi Government
Reacting to this, Home Minister Amit Shah stated that Tahar Rana's extradition is a significant victory for the Modi government's international diplomacy. It sends a message that India will no longer spare its enemies anywhere. Targeting the opposition, Amit Shah said that the government in power during the 2008 attacks could not bring this accused to India, but now no one can plot against India and get away with it.
Now that Rana is in India, legal proceedings based on b evidence will commence in the coming weeks. His confessions and interrogations could uncover many previously hidden links.
