Tahawwur Rana, 26/11 Mumbai Attacks Accused, Sent to NIA Custody After Extradition

New Delhi, April 11, 2025 – Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, was remanded to 18 days of National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody on Friday, a day after his extradition from the United States. The decision, handed down by Special NIA Court Judge Chander Jit Singh, marks a significant step in India’s pursuit of justice for the devastating attacks that claimed 166 lives and injured over 238 people.

Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin based in Chicago, was formally arrested by the NIA upon his arrival at Palam Airport in New Delhi on Thursday evening. The agency produced him before the court under tight security, seeking a 20-day custodial interrogation to probe his alleged role in facilitating the 26/11 attacks. After reserving its order on Thursday, the court granted an 18-day remand, citing the need for thorough investigation.

The NIA, represented by Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan—appointed by the Ministry of Home Affairs—and Special Public Prosecutor Narender Mann, presented compelling evidence, including emails sent by Rana. The agency argued that custodial interrogation is critical to uncovering the full scope of the conspiracy behind the Mumbai attacks. Central to their case is Rana’s alleged coordination with David Coleman Headley, a convicted co-conspirator currently imprisoned in the U.S., who shared details of the terror plot with Rana, including the involvement of Pakistan-based operatives Ilyas Kashmiri and Abdur Rehman.

Rana’s court appearance was shrouded in heightened security, with measures including a jail van, an armoured SWAT vehicle, and an ambulance. Citing safety concerns, police cleared media and the public from the court premises during the proceedings. The court also appointed legal aid counsel to represent Rana, ensuring compliance with judicial protocols.

The extradition process, a milestone in India-U.S. cooperation, was facilitated by the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Sky Marshal, Indian intelligence agencies, the National Security Guard (NSG), and the Ministries of External Affairs and Home Affairs. A multi-agency Indian team traveled to the U.S. after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Rana’s plea to stay his extradition, in which he had claimed fears of “torture” in India due to his Pakistani Muslim background.

The NIA has accused Rana of conspiring with Headley and operatives of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI)—both designated terrorist organizations under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967—to execute the 2008 attacks. The meticulously planned assault targeted multiple locations in Mumbai, leaving a lasting scar on the nation.

As the investigation progresses, the NIA aims to unravel the intricate network behind the attacks, with Rana’s interrogation expected to shed light on his logistical and financial contributions. The case remains a priority for India’s anti-terror efforts, reflecting its resolve to hold accountable those responsible for one of the deadliest terror attacks in its history.