Tahawwur Rana allowed to speak with family

A Delhi court on Monday granted permission to Tahawwur Hussain Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, to speak with his family members via a one-time phone call.

Special Judge Chander Jit Singh of the Patiala House Courts allowed the request under strict conditions. The call must follow the jail manual and will take place under the supervision of Tihar Jail authorities.

The court also requested a fresh report on Rana’s health that must be submitted within 10 days. In addition, the judge directed jail authorities to file a report clarifying whether Rana should be allowed regular phone calls going forward.

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.

According to NIA, Headley had shared details of the entire plan of 26/11 terror attack with Rana before coming to India.