Tahawwur Rana extradition: 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind to remain in NIA custody for questioning

NIA gets 18 days remand of 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana by the court. He was produced before the Special NIA Court

NIA has presented compelling evidence, including emails sent by 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana, to justify his police custody. The agency informed the court that custodial interrogation is crucial to uncovering the sinister plot. Investigators will also examine Rana's role in orchestrating the deadly terror attacks.

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, "On April 9th, the United States extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face justice for his role in planning the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. These attacks resulted in the tragic loss of 166 lives, including six Americans, that shocked the entire world. The United States has long supported India's efforts to ensure those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice, and as President Trump has said, the United States and India will continue to work together to combat the global scourge of terrorism. He is in their possession, and we are very proud of that dynamic."

The judge is present in the chamber right now. The order is being written. In some time, the judge will read the order in the court which will make it clear for how many days the NIA has got custody of Tahawwur Rana. A special court of the National Investigation Agency on Thursday reserved its order on the agency’s request for 20-day custody of Tahawwur Rana.

A special court of the National Investigation Agency on Thursday reserved its order on the agency’s request for 20-day custody of Tahawwur Rana. Arguments from both sides concluded during the hearing. The court is expected to deliver its decision shortly.

 NIA sought 20 days remand of 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana. The order has been reserved by the court on how many days of remand to be granted. 

NIA sought 20-day custody of Tahawwur Rana. NIA has presented compelling evidence, including emails sent by 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana, to justify his custody. The agency informed the court that custodial interrogation is crucial to uncovering the sinister plot. Investigators will also examine Rana's role in orchestrating the deadly terror attacks.

NIA, in the court, stated that as part of the criminal conspiracy, accused number 1 David Coleman Headley, had discussed the entire operation with Tahawwur Rana before his visit to India. Anticipating potential challenges, Headley sent an email to Rana detailing his belongings and assets. He also informed Rana about the involvement of Ilyas Kashmiri and Abdur Rehman in the plot.

NIA has presented compelling evidence, including emails sent by 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana, to justify his police custody. The agency informed the court that custodial interrogation is crucial to uncovering the sinister plot. Investigators will also examine Rana’s role in orchestrating the deadly terror attacks.

On November 26, 2008, a group of 10 Pakistani terrorists went on a rampage, carrying out a coordinated attack on a railway station, two luxury hotels and a Jewish centre, after they sneaked into India's financial capital using the sea route in the Arabian Sea. Rana is accused of conspiring with Headley and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the three-day terror siege of India's financial capital.

NIA officials produced Tahawwur Rana at the Patiala House Courts before Special NIA judge Chander Jit Singh, who is currently hearing arguments on his custody proceedings. Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan and special public prosecutor Narender Mann are representing the NIA while advocate Piyush Sachdeva from Delhi Legal Services Authority is representing Rana.

26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana has been brought to Patiala House Court. NIA has produced him before Special NIA Court. Arguments on his custody proceedings are underway.

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused, was brought to Delhi court on Thursday night, PTI reported. Rana was produced before Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) judge Chander Jit Singh, who is currently hearing arguments on Rana's custody proceedings.

Rana's extradition comes nearly a year after the District Court for the Central District of California ordered his transfer to Indian authorities on May 16, 2023. Rana had challenged the order in the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and later approached the US Supreme Court. All of his petitions were denied, the NIA said in a press release.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has sought a 14-day custodial remand of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case. 

According to the sources present at the Airport, Tahawwur Rana is still there as some medical procedures are still underway. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday evening formally arrested Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the key conspirator in the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, immediately after he arrived in Delhi.

Advocate Piyush Sachdeva from Delhi Legal Services Authority will represent 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana. Special NIA judge Chander Jit Singh reached court to hear case against Tahawwur Hussain Rana. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested 26/11 attacks accused Tahawwur Rana on Thursday. 

Tahawwur Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley @ Daood Gilani, and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the devastating terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008. A total of 166 persons were killed and over 238 injured in the deadly attacks. Both LeT and HUJI have been declared as terrorist organisations by the Government of India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday evening arrested Tahawwur Hussain Rana, immediately after his arrival at IGIA, New Delhi, following his successful extradition from the United States. NIA had secured Rana’s extradition following years of sustained and concerted efforts, and after the terror mastermind’s last-ditch efforts to get a stay on his extradition from the US failed, reads the official statement. 

Check the first picture of 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Tahawwur Rana are out after his arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

All red lights for 14 km from Palam Air Base to Patiala House Court have been turned green. NIA will present Rana in the court after 8 pm. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday successfully secured the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind of the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem to justice, reads the official statement. 

"This is a significant development and a matter of satisfaction for everyone, especially for the victims of the terror attack and their families. This has sent a message to terrorists that if they attack India, no matter where they are in the world, they will be caught, presented in front of Indian courts and punished. None of them will be spared. Interrogating him will reveal more crucial information, such as the role of Pakistan's ISI in the attack and the presence of sleeper cells in India. Expecting that (masterminds of terror attacks) will get punished in Pakistan is a waste of time," RK Singh was quoted as saying by ANI.

Advocate Piyush Sachdeva from Delhi Legal Services Authority to represent accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana.

NIA will present Tahawwur Rana in court after 8 pm.

Agencies will take Tahawwur Rana to the court through this route.

Thimaya Marg
Parade Road
Dhaula Kuan
Sardar Patel Marg
Mother Teresa Crescent Marg
Akbar Road
India Gate
Patiala House Court

Agencies will take Rana out of the airport by 8 pm. He will leave the airport under the Martial-Layer security of the Delhi Police. SWAT commandos will also be there for security. 

(Kumar Sonu)

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said in an X post, "Tahawwur Rana, the mastermind of 26/11 - the biggest terrorist attack on the country has been brought to India. For this, I wholeheartedly congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi. About a month ago, there was a discussion between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump. According to that, America transferred the biggest criminal of the country to India. I also congratulate EAM Dr S Jaishankar for this. There is no doubt that Tahawwur Rana, responsible for the attack on the world's largest democracy, will get severe punishment."

Keeping Rana's security in mind, Tahawwur Rana can also be taken out from any other gate of the technical airport. Actually, the security agencies are afraid that media vehicles may follow Rana's vehicle to cover it.

Tahawwur Rana has been arrested under these sections: 120B, 121, 121A, 302, 468 and 471 of  IPC and section 16,18,20 of UAPA act.

Delhi Police removes mediapersons, private persons from Patiala House Courts premises.

Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan, Special Public Prosecutor Narender Mann reached the court.

Tahawwur Rana, mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was arrested upon his extradition to India and is expected to be lodged in Tihar Jail, with barricades set up along the route from Palam Airport to NIA headquarters to control traffic.

Some paperwork related to Rana's transfer to India is being completed at the technical airport, after which he will be escorted by NIA officials and Delhi Police convoy vehicles.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has successfully secured the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, following years of dedicated efforts to bring him to justice. Rana, who had been held in judicial custody in the United States, was extradited after exhausting all legal avenues to delay the process. The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California had ordered his extradition on May 16, 2023. Rana's legal challenges, including appeals in the Ninth Circuit Court and petitions to the U.S. Supreme Court, were all rejected. With active cooperation from the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Sky Marshal, and Indian intelligence agencies, the extradition process culminated in a successful outcome. Rana, along with his co-conspirators, was involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which resulted in 166 deaths and over 238 injuries.

Tahawwur Rana will undergo a medical check-up at the airport, and his arrest memo will also be signed there, with a team of doctors present at Palam Technical Airport.

The special aircraft carrying Tahawwur Rana landed at 6:22 PM. He will be taken directly to the Patiala House Court from the airport.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Danish Azad Ansari called the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana a victory for India. He stated, "This is a victory for our country. The one who had malicious intentions towards India has now been extradited. He will face a harsh punishment."

According to sources, a special aircraft carrying Tahawwur Rana is scheduled to land at Palam Technical Airport at 7 PM. He is being brought to India on a government-chartered flight, accompanied by senior NIA officials onboard.

Tahawwur Rana, a key figure in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is likely to land at Delhi's Palam Airport soon and will be taken to the NIA headquarters for interrogation.

(The earlier version of the post erroneously said that Rana's flight had landed in Delhi. We regret it.)

Barricades have been set up at several points between Palam Airport and the NIA Headquarters to ensure secure transit. Traffic movement will be temporarily halted at multiple locations when the convoy transporting Tahawwur Rana proceeds along the route.

According to sources in the Delhi Police, a team from the Third Battalion has been deployed for Tahawwur Rana's transfer. The team will consist of a jail van, a pilot car, and an escort car. The team will be equipped with advanced weapons and will have 15 police officers. This team will escort Rana to the NIA Headquarters.

Four Delhi Police vehicles, accompanied by an ambulance and a jammer, have reached Palam Air Force Station.

Eknath Omble, brother of Ashok Chakra awardee Tukaram Omble, demands the immediate execution of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana, emphasizing strict punishment to deter facilitators in Pakistan.

Gate no. 2 and 3 of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Metro station, near the NIA headquarters, have been closed for the public due to heightened security ahead of the extradition of Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal criticizes the Congress for inaction during the 26/11 attacks, emphasising PM Modi's commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and the extradition of Tahawwur Rana.

Tahawwur Rana is also expected to provide details about the visit of Sajid Mir, a key figure involved in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Sajid Mir allegedly visited India to observe a cricket match, which was part of the reconnaissance process for the terrorist attacks. Investigators are keen to uncover further details about Mir’s activities and his role in facilitating the attacks.

Tahawwur Rana had frequent communications with David Headley, and the number of calls exchanged between them highlights the depth of their collaboration. During Headley’s visits, the frequency of their phone calls was substantial, indicating their close coordination in the planning of the 26/11 attacks. The details of Headley’s visits and communication frequency are as follows: First Visit - 32 times, Second Visit - 23 times, Third Visit - 40 times, Fifth Visit - 37 times, Sixth Visit - 33 times, and Eighth Visit - 66 times. These visits and the extensive phone calls between Rana and Headley establish a direct link between the two, further implicating Rana in the planning and execution of the attacks.

Tahawwur Rana is believed to be a crucial link between David Headley, the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI, and the Pakistan Army. Investigators are focusing on the nature of his involvement in the planning and execution of the 26/11 attacks, with specific attention given to his communication with Headley and his connections to Pakistani military and intelligence officials.

Under Indian law, Tahawwur Rana could face the maximum punishment of life imprisonment if convicted. His involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, along with his alleged connections to key figures such as David Headley, has made him a significant target for Indian authorities. The legal proceedings will determine the severity of his sentence, but he is expected to face the full extent of the law.

As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities plan to show Tahawwur Rana a range of crucial evidence, including voice samples recorded during the 26/11 attacks. This will also include pictures, videos, and emails that are vital to the case. These pieces of evidence are expected to be instrumental in further questioning and building the case against him.

A special interrogation cell has been set up at the NIA headquarters to question terrorist Tahawwur Rana. This cell will be accessed only by 12 members involved in the investigation, including high-ranking officials such as DG NIA Sadanand Date, IG Ashish Batra, and DIG Jaya Roy. If anyone else needs to visit, they must first obtain permission. The cell is equipped with all necessary facilities to ensure a thorough investigation of the case.

Tahawwur Rana's flight is now expected to arrive by 3 PM, with the delay caused by a refueling stop. The security operation continues as the authorities prepare for his transfer to New Delhi.

Air traffic control units, intelligence teams, and special commandos are closely monitoring the flight in real time as part of a major security operation to bring 26/11 Mumbai attack accused Tahawwur Rana from the United States to India. This high-value extradition is being carried out under strict confidentiality and coordination between Indian and American agencies. According to sources, the special aircraft carrying Rana made a stop at a location for refueling and is now expected to land in New Delhi later this afternoon.

According to sources, terrorist Tahawwur Hussain Rana is expected to be brought to Delhi between 12 to 1 PM. Initially, his arrival was anticipated between 9 and 10 AM, but a stopover was made for fuel refueling. The decision on where to transfer Rana from the airport to the NIA headquarters will be made at the last moment. SWAT commandos have been placed on high alert for the operation.

Public movement has been restricted in front of the NIA headquarters, and Gate number 2 of the Jawaharlal Nehru Metro Station, located directly opposite the NIA office, has been closed due to security reasons. Meanwhile, tight security is in place at Palam Airport, with some Delhi Police vehicles stationed outside. Delhi Police personnel are also conducting foot patrols in the surrounding area to ensure safety.

The 26/11 terrorist will be brought from Palam Technical Airport to the NIA headquarters in a bulletproof vehicle. According to sources, along with the bulletproof car, a 'Marksman' vehicle has also been kept on standby. Commandos from the Delhi Police Special Cell are also deployed with the standby vehicle. The Marksman is a highly secure vehicle, virtually impervious to attacks. It is commonly used by the Special Cell to transport high-profile terrorists and gangsters to courts and agency offices.