The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday secured 18-day custody of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, following his extradition from the United States. The agency aims to interrogate Rana in-depth to unearth the entire conspiracy behind the brutal 2008 attacks that left 166 dead and over 238 injured.
Rana was produced before the NIA Special Court at Patiala House in New Delhi after his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday evening. He was formally arrested and later escorted under heavy security—led by Delhi Police SWAT teams—to the NIA headquarters at the CGO Complex, where he will remain in a high-security cell.
In a statement, the NIA said Rana’s detailed interrogation is crucial to exposing the full extent of the plot that led to the deadly assault on Mumbai. His extradition follows years of diplomatic efforts and legal battles, including the dismissal of his final plea by the US Supreme Court.
The extradition was the result of coordinated efforts by India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs, working alongside American authorities. Rana was flown from Los Angeles to New Delhi on a special flight accompanied by senior NIA and NSG officials.
This major breakthrough marks a significant step forward in India’s pursuit of justice for the victims of one of the worst terror attacks in its history.
