Supplementary chargesheet filed against Tahawwur Rana

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday filed a supplementary chargesheet against Tahawwur Rana in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, marking a key development in the high-profile case.

Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian, was extradited from the United States earlier this year after prolonged legal proceedings.

The chargesheet was submitted before Special NIA Judge Chander Jit Singh at Patiala House Courts, who listed it for consideration on August 13. Rana’s judicial custody was also extended till the same date.

Additionally, in compliance with the order dated June 6, issued by the NIA Special Court, the NIA has submitted a compliance report under Section 207 of the CrPC regarding the supply of documents related to the earlier chargesheet filed in 2011.

Rana, currently lodged in Tihar Jail, was produced virtually before the court due to heightened security concerns. His appearance through video-conferencing followed the expiry of his previous remand.

According to his counsel, advocate Piyush Sachdeva, the supplementary chargesheet primarily includes procedural records such as the arrest memo, seizure memos and related formal documents. The first chargesheet, naming Rana in the case, was filed by NIA in December 2011.

Meanwhile, the court fixed July 15 to hear his plea seeking regular telephonic access to his family. Last month, the court had allowed Rana a one-time supervised phone call to his family, to be made under the watch of a senior jail official and in compliance with prison rules.

The NIA recently obtained both voice and handwriting samples from Rana. Officials alleged that Rana remained uncooperative during questioning, prompting requests for extended custody.