The court granted the NIA 18 days’ custody to interrogate him in connection with the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
First Picture of Tahawwur Rana Surfaces After Extradition, Latest news: The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Public Affairs has released images showing 2008 Mumbai terror attacks accused Tahawwur Rana being handed over to Indian authorities following his extradition.
In the photos, Rana is seen facing away from the camera, dressed in what appears to be an all-black outfit. He is flanked by U.S. Marshals, police officers, and members of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Rana being handed over (ANI/NIA)
Rana was officially placed under arrest by the NIA upon landing in Delhi on Thursday. He was produced before the Special NIA Court at Patiala House Courts Complex in New Delhi late Thursday night.
The court granted the NIA 18 days’ custody to interrogate him in connection with the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which 166 people were killed and over 238 injured. The NIA aims to uncover the full scope of the conspiracy during this custodial period.
During the hearing, the NIA presented compelling evidence, including emails sent by Rana, and argued that his interrogation is vital to expose the malicious plot behind the attacks.
The agency stated that Rana was a close associate of David Coleman Headley (also known as Daood Gilani), one of the key accused in the attacks. According to the NIA, Rana conspired with Headley and operatives of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI)—both declared terrorist organizations under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967—as well as other Pakistan-based co-conspirators.
The court has also ordered comprehensive medical check-ups at the beginning and end of the remand period to ensure that all of Rana’s health needs are met.
“NIA sought 20 days of custody, and after a lot of deliberation, the court granted 18. If NIA requires more time, they will file an application. For medical tests, the court has given specific instructions for thorough check-ups at the start and end of custody,” said a counsel from the Delhi State Legal Services Authority, as quoted by ANI.
