Tahawwur Rana, a key figure in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, was placed under strict suicide watch after his extradition to India and sent to 18-day custody to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) a few days ago. Lodged in a high-security cell at NIA headquarters in Delhi, Rana is monitored round-the-clock by personnel and CCTV to ensure his safety.
Rana has been granted minimal provisions: a soft-tip pen and paper for writing, under strict supervision to prevent self-harm, and a copy of the Quran at his request, Hindustan Times reported.
The Pakistani-Canadian, closely linked to 26/11 mastermind David Coleman Headley, is accused of collaborating with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI), and Pakistan-based operatives to orchestrate the three-day assault that killed over 166 people.
He reportedly performs Namaz five times daily in his cell. “He’s made no other demands,” an NIA official told Hindustan Times. Court orders allow him to meet a Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA) lawyer every other day, always in the presence of NIA staff, and mandate medical checkups every 48 hours.
Rana, 64, landed in Delhi on Thursday. The move came after Rana exhausted all legal avenues to block his transfer, including appeals in US courts that argued against his surrender due to prior convictions.
Special NIA Judge Chander Jit Singh granted the custody, with the agency arguing that Rana’s interrogation is crucial to unearth fresh evidence and explore his links to other terrorists, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) operatives.
“His statements could unlock significant discoveries,” the NIA told the court, emphasizing his role in the November 26-29, 2008, attacks that killed over 166 people and injured hundreds across Mumbai’s landmarks like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and Nariman House.
Rana’s role in 26/11
A close associate of David Coleman Headley (alias Daood Gilani), the US citizen who conducted reconnaissance for the attacks, Rana is accused of providing logistical and financial support to LeT, the Pakistan-based terror group behind the siege.
Operating through his Chicago-based immigration business, First World Immigration Services, Rana allegedly facilitated Headley’s travels and helped establish a Mumbai office as a cover for surveillance. US prosecutors convicted him in 2011 for supporting terrorism, though he was acquitted of direct involvement in the Mumbai attacks. India, however, pursued his extradition to face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Indian Penal Code for conspiracy, murder, and terrorism.
Rana’s extradition follows years of diplomatic efforts, with India pressing the US since his 2009 arrest in Chicago alongside Headley. Released on compassionate grounds in 2020 after contracting COVID-19, Rana was re-arrested in 2023 after a US court upheld India’s extradition request, citing sufficient evidence of his complicity. The NIA now aims to confront him with digital records, intercepted communications, and Headley’s testimony, which detailed Rana’s knowledge of LeT’s plans.
Security and investigation updates
According to reports, Rana’s cell is fortified to prevent any escape or external contact, with restricted access even for jail staff. The NIA is cross-referencing his statements with data from Headley’s plea deal and intercepted LeT communications, hoping to trace financial trails and identify Pakistan-based handlers. The agency is also investigating whether Rana had ties to other terror plots, including a foiled attack on a Danish newspaper.
On Sunday, NIA officials confirmed that Rana has been cooperative but reserved, providing limited details so far. “We’re analyzing his responses meticulously,” an officer told reporters, declining to elaborate.
The agency has deployed forensic experts to examine devices linked to Rana’s business, aiming to uncover encrypted communications. Meanwhile, security around Tihar Jail, where Rana may be transferred post-custody, has been heightened, with Delhi Police on alert for potential threats.