Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the Pakistani-Canadian accused of plotting the 26/11 Mumbai terror assaults, has lastly been extradited to India from the US after a protracted authorized battle. Touchdown in Delhi on Thursday (10) night aboard a particular flight, Rana was instantly taken into custody by the Nationwide Investigation Company (NIA) and positioned in high-security detention at their headquarters.
The NIA secured 18-day custody of Rana following a courtroom order and launched an in depth interrogation, led by senior officers of SP and DSP ranks. The company has ready a complete questionnaire specializing in his function within the 2008 assaults, his ties to Pakistan’s intelligence community, and attainable plans to copy such assaults in different Indian cities.
NIA Secures Profitable Extradition of 26/11 Mumbai Terror Assault Mastermind Tahawwur Rana from US pic.twitter.com/sFaiztiodl
— NIA India (@NIA_India) April 10, 2025
Rana’s interrogation is being carried out beneath strict surveillance. He’s lodged in a 14×14 high-security cell on the bottom ground of the NIA headquarters. The cell is monitored by a number of CCTV cameras and guarded round the clock.
Solely 12 top-ranking NIA officers have entry to the area. Motion contained in the premises has been restricted to make sure confidentiality and safety. The interrogation itself is being carried out on the third ground in a room geared up with dual-camera recording programs.
Sources mentioned the preliminary rounds of questioning are geared toward figuring out Rana’s handler in Pakistan and monitoring the monetary and logistical help he might have prolonged to sleeper cells inside India. Investigators are additionally exploring his hyperlinks to David Headley, the Pakistani-American terrorist who had beforehand carried out reconnaissance in Mumbai forward of the 26/11 assaults.
Rana’s flight route from the US to India additionally attracted consideration because it notably averted Pakistan’s airspace. Nevertheless, the return flight of the plane, owned by a Vienna-based constitution firm, used the usual route by Pakistan.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the extradition, stating that the US has lengthy stood with India in looking for justice for the 166 individuals killed within the 2008 assaults, together with six Americans. “I’m glad that day has come,” he posted on social media platform X.
Reactions poured in from throughout the political spectrum. Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel credited the UPA regime for laying the groundwork for the extradition, whereas Delhi Authorized Cell Head Anil Soni hailed it as a diplomatic victory for Prime Minister Modi. In the meantime, Nationwide Convention chief Farooq Abdullah took a veiled swipe on the authorities, questioning the standing of different unfulfilled guarantees.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Aaditya Thackeray stirred controversy by demanding a public hanging for Rana, whereas 26/11 survivor Abdul Kalam Qureshi, who was injured in the course of the CST station assault, referred to as for capital punishment.
The NIA believes Rana might have devised comparable assault plans for different Indian cities. His extradition is being seen as a vital milestone in unraveling the broader terror community behind the 2008 assaults. Based on the US Division of Justice, Rana will face trial in India on 10 prison prices together with conspiracy to wage warfare towards India, homicide, and violations beneath the Illegal Actions (Prevention) Act.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the NIA and Union Residence Ministry will decide whether or not Rana can be taken to Mumbai for additional investigation. Mumbai Police is predicted to offer full cooperation.
The interrogation is being supervised by DIG Jaya Roy, the officer who performed a pivotal function in bringing Rana again to India. Day by day updates from the classes can be despatched on to the Ministry of Residence Affairs. Different investigative companies have additionally requested entry to query Rana throughout his custody interval.
As India intensifies its efforts to hunt justice for one of many deadliest terror assaults in its historical past, Tahawwur Rana’s interrogation might probably expose extra names and beforehand unknown particulars of the 26/11 conspiracy.
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