Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Friday credited the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for laying the groundwork that eventually led to the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana from the United States to India.
Addressing reporters, Sibal highlighted the formation and early action of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), established under the UPA regime in response to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Sibal, a former Union minister, emphasized that the NIA was set up by the UPA just a month after the devastating attacks that left 166 people dead. “I remember the NIA was established during UPA times. It registered a case in this incident on November 11, 2009, where the accused were David Headley and Tahawwur Rana,” he stated.
He noted that the NIA had expressed dissatisfaction at the time when US authorities failed to include certain charges against Rana. Despite initial setbacks, Indian agencies pursued the investigation diligently, eventually leading to a breakthrough in the form of Rana’s extradition.
Tahawwur Rana, a 64-year-old Pakistani-Canadian national, was formally arrested on Thursday evening after being extradited from the US. The move follows a protracted legal battle during which Rana sought to block his extradition through multiple appeals, all of which were ultimately rejected.
Upon his arrival, the NIA produced Rana before a special court and was granted 18-day custody for interrogation. The agency is expected to take him to various locations as part of a broader effort to reconstruct the conspiracy behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Sibal also spoke about the critical link between Rana and co-accused David Headley. “Through mutual assistance, the NIA team reached America and examined Headley, who was under custody there. The conspiracy was uncovered as this happened,” he said.
He further added, “Today, the accused is before us, and things will become clearer. We know that only Tahawwur Rana and David Headley were not the conspirators, but more were involved.”
According to investigators, Rana was made aware of the attack plans by Headley prior to his visit to India. Their email exchanges have been cited as vital evidence in the ongoing probe. Officials believe that the conspiracy may extend beyond Mumbai, possibly involving planned attacks in other Indian cities.
While appreciating the current government’s efforts in successfully securing Rana’s extradition, Sibal made it a point to recognize the foundation laid by the previous Congress-led government. “I congratulate the UPA government for their efforts and also our government for their efforts, which have been successful. We have Tahawwur Rana in India today,” he concluded.