NIA probes Rana’s role in 26/11, focus on Lashkar links, ISI ties

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched an intensive interrogation of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, focusing on his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and connections with Pakistan-based terror outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistan’s intelligence services.

Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian national, was extradited from the US and landed in Delhi on Thursday. He is accused of aiding David Coleman Headley, a convicted co-conspirator, in conducting surveillance ahead of the 26/11 attacks. The NIA had filed an FIR against Rana in 2009 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Though the law permits 30 days of custody, a special NIA court has granted 18-day remand. He has been lodged in a high-security 14x14-foot cell at the NIA’s headquarters in Delhi’s CGO complex, where a 12-member team led by DIG Jaya Roy is conducting the interrogation.

“Only 12 officials related to the case — including NIA Director General Sadanand Date, IG Ashish Batra and DIG Roy — have access to his cell,” sources told The Tribune. The cell is under round-the-clock surveillance and equipped with multi-layered digital security.

A simple bed placed on the floor and an attached bathroom restrict Rana’s movement entirely within the cell. All essential provisions — including meals, drinking water, and medical supplies — are delivered directly to him.

Interestingly, NIA chief Date was Additional Commissioner of Police in Mumbai during the 26/11 attacks. He and his team were the first responders at Cama and Albless Hospital, engaging in a gun battle with terrorists. He later received the President’s Medal for gallantry.

Sixteen years later, Date is once again at the forefront — this time, leading efforts to expose the wider conspiracy.

Sources said interrogation is focused on three areas: Rana’s role in planning the attacks, his links with Lashkar-e-Taiba, and possible coordination with Pakistan’s ISI. So far, at least eight intelligence and law enforcement agencies from across the country have sought access to question him in connection with other investigations.