NIA court disallows Tahawwur Rana to speak with family

A Delhi court on Thursday rejected a plea filed by Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, seeking permission to communicate with his family.

“Not allowed,” ruled Special Judge Chander Jit Singh of the Patiala House Courts, curtly dismissing the application.

Rana, currently in judicial custody, had moved the plea through his counsel, asserting that speaking with his family was a fundamental right. He contended that his relatives were concerned about his health and general well-being.

However, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) strongly objected, warning the court that any such communication could compromise national security. The agency argued that the investigation was at a “crucial stage” and feared Rana might divulge sensitive information if permitted contact with his family.

The NIA expressed apprehensions that any unsupervised communication could "compromise the integrity" of the probe, particularly if Rana were to disclose sensitive or classified information.

Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian national who was extradited from the US and arrived in Delhi on April 10, is accused of facilitating the attacks by assisting David Coleman Headley, a convicted conspirator, in conducting reconnaissance missions in Mumbai.

Immediately after extradition, Rana was produced before a special NIA court where the agency had initially sought 20 days of custody, but the court sanctioned 18 days weighing Rana’s legal and medical entitlements alongside the NIA's claims.

Rana has been booked under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, including charges of criminal conspiracy, terrorism, forgery, and waging war against the nation. However, the court has clarified that prosecution must remain confined to offences explicitly covered under the terms of the extradition agreement.

As per NIA, Headley had shared details of the entire plan of 26/11 terror attack with Rana before coming to India. Expecting possible problems, Headley had also emailed Rana with information about his personal belongings and assets.