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Kapil Sibal credits UPA govt for Tahawwur Rana extradition, praises Congress-NIA groundwork after 26/11

: Kapil Sibal credits the Congress-led UPA government and NIA for early action in the Tahawwur Rana case. The 26/11 accused was extradited from the US after exhausting legal appeals.

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Kapil Sibal on Tahawwur Rana

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.

India News

Blasts outside defence establishments in Punjab within 2 hours trigger security alarm

Two explosions near defence-linked locations in Punjab within two hours have triggered alarm and heightened security across the state.

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Two explosion incidents reported within a span of around two hours near key defence-linked locations in Punjab have raised serious security concerns and triggered political reactions.

The first incident took place near the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters in Jalandhar, where a blast involving a delivery scooter was reported in a populated area. The proximity of the explosion to a sensitive security installation immediately drew the attention of authorities.

Shortly after, another blast was reported near a military-linked area in Amritsar, further heightening concerns over security preparedness in the border state. Police and security agencies responded swiftly, deploying bomb disposal squads and forensic teams at both locations.

Officials confirmed that no casualties were reported in either incident. However, the back-to-back nature of the explosions caused panic in nearby areas and prompted authorities to place the state on high alert.

Political leaders reacted strongly, questioning the handling of security and pointing to possible lapses. They urged authorities to take preventive steps to avoid such incidents in the future.

Punjab, being a strategically important border state, remains sensitive to such developments. Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the explosions and whether there are any links between the two incidents.

Security has been tightened around key installations, with agencies assessing whether the blasts were isolated events or part of a broader threat.

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Retired bureaucrats appointed by Mamata Banerjee barred from Bengal offices ahead of BJP government formation

Retired bureaucrats appointed under Mamata Banerjee have been barred from government offices as West Bengal prepares for a BJP-led administration.

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In a significant administrative development following the West Bengal Assembly election results, several retired bureaucrats appointed during the tenure of Mamata Banerjee have reportedly been barred from entering state government offices.

The decision comes at a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party is preparing to form its first government in the state after securing a decisive mandate. The move is seen as part of the transition process as the outgoing administration makes way for the incoming regime.

Officials indicated that the restrictions apply specifically to retired personnel who had been given contractual or advisory roles under the previous government. These individuals have now been asked not to access offices or handle official work.

The development follows a broader directive issued by the state administration to ensure that no official documents or records are removed, damaged, or tampered with during the transition period. Authorities have emphasised strict accountability, placing responsibility on departmental heads to safeguard files and maintain proper records.

The political backdrop to this move is the sweeping victory of the BJP in the 2026 West Bengal elections, marking a major shift in the state’s political landscape after years of Trinamool Congress rule.

With the new government expected to take charge soon, administrative reshuffling and tightening of access to government infrastructure are being viewed as measures to ensure a smooth and transparent handover of power.

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Vijay expresses gratitude to Modi, Rahul Gandhi for congratulatory messages after poll victory

Vijay thanked PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi after his party’s strong Tamil Nadu poll performance, promising governance focused on public welfare.

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Actor vijay

Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for congratulating him on his party’s strong performance in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026.

Vijay, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), acknowledged the wishes shared by both leaders following the party’s impressive electoral debut, which has significantly altered the political landscape of Tamil Nadu.

Responding to the Prime Minister on social media platform X, Vijay said that his party’s focus would remain on public welfare and development. He emphasised that governance should rise above political differences and aim at improving the lives of the people.

“The well-being of our people remains our only goal… we shall focus on the state’s progress and welfare,” he said, while also expressing hope for support from the Union government in achieving these objectives.

The TVK has emerged as a major political force in the state, breaking the long-standing dominance of traditional parties and marking a major shift in Tamil Nadu’s political dynamics.

According to early developments, the party has staked claim to form the government and may seek additional support if required to prove its majority in the assembly.

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