26/11 Mumbai Attacks: Accused Tahawwur Rana Admits Links to Pakistani Army, ISI, and Lashkar. He confessed to being involved in the plot and conducting reconnaissance in Mumbai. Arrest is expected soon.
Tahawwur Rana: Tahawwur Hussain Rana, one of the masterminds behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has recently made several shocking revelations to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Rana not only identified himself as an agent of the Pakistani army but also admitted his connections to Lashkar-e-Taiba and the ISI.
Connections with the Pakistani Army and Saudi Arabia Mission
During interrogation, Tahawwur Rana admitted that he was a trusted agent of the Pakistani army. He revealed that he was sent to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War on a secret mission. This admission confirms that Rana has been actively involved in Pakistan's intelligence activities for a long time.
Lashkar-e-Taiba: Not just a terrorist organization, but an espionage network
Rana stated that Lashkar-e-Taiba is not merely a terrorist organization, but also functions as an organized espionage network for Pakistan. He also confessed that his close friend David Headley had undergone training several times for Lashkar. The Mumbai attacks were orchestrated through Headley.
Terrorist Plot under the guise of an Immigration Firm in Mumbai
Tahawwur Rana admitted that he himself planned to open an immigration firm in Mumbai. This business was used to conceal terrorist activities. Rana said that the financial dealings related to the company were shown only as business expenses, while in reality, they were related to the planning and support of the attacks.
Confession of Reconnaissance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
In the interrogation, Rana admitted that he had conducted reconnaissance of several locations in Mumbai, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. His aim was to assess the security arrangements and crowds at these locations so that the attack could be carried out easily. This was the same place where the most lives were lost during the 26/11 attacks.
Major revelation on the role of ISI
Rana also admitted that the entire conspiracy of the 26/11 attacks was hatched in collaboration with Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI. He said that the ISI's support was there at every level of the attack, whether it was planning or training the terrorists. This revelation further exposed the involvement of the ISI in anti-India activities.
Mumbai Police preparing for Rana's arrest
After the NIA's interrogation, the Mumbai Police is now preparing to arrest Rana. The police believe that further investigation in Rana's custody could reveal many other layers related to the attacks. Mumbai Police is legally proceeding with the process of taking him into their custody.
Old relationship with David Headley
Tahawwur Rana and David Headley are considered to be very close to each other. The two met in America, and that's where their friendship and association with the terrorist network began. Headley had also mentioned Rana several times during interrogation. He said that Rana had given him the necessary support to come to India and prepare for the attacks.
Background of the 26/11 attacks
It is noteworthy that on November 26, 2008, 10 terrorists from Pakistan entered Mumbai via the sea and attacked several important locations. These included Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Hotel Taj, Hotel Oberoi, and Nariman House. In the attacks that lasted for about 60 hours, 166 people were killed and hundreds were injured.
