Desk:On Friday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other intelligence agencies began interrogating Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. According to investigators, Rana is being questioned about his associates in Pakistan and others involved in masterminding the attacks. Additionally, he will soon face a “protected witness” who played a critical role in the plot. This witness had welcomed David Coleman Headley in Mumbai in 2006 and made arrangements for his lodging and logistics.
After being remanded to NIA custody for 18 days by a special court at 2 a.m. on Friday, Rana was brought to the NIA headquarters in Lodhi Road, Delhi. He was given some time to rest before interrogation began. This marks the first time Indian agencies are directly questioning Rana, as in June 2010, an NIA team had questioned Headley in the U.S.
A senior officer involved in the investigation revealed that this “protected witness,” who was a close associate of both Rana and Headley, is crucial to the case. The identity of this witness has been kept confidential by the court to ensure their safety from Pakistani intelligence agencies and terror organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Headley’s 2006 Visit to India and the Role of the Protected Witness
In 2006, when the planning for the attacks began, Headley traveled to Pakistan, where he met with LeT leaders and filmed prominent sites in Mumbai, particularly the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. During his trip to India in September 2006, this protected witness, a close associate of Rana, received Headley upon his arrival. This witness took responsibility for arranging Headley’s accommodations and other logistical needs after receiving a call from Rana.
FBI Recordings and Evidence
NIA also has key evidence in the form of FBI recordings from 2009 that document conversations between Rana and Headley. The agency is also interrogating other individuals connected to Rana’s Mumbai-based ‘Immigration Law Center’ office. An officer stated, “We are questioning Rana about his handlers from LeT, the Pakistani military, and the ISI who were directing Headley.”
Rana Brought to India by Special Flight
On Thursday at around 6 p.m., Rana was brought to Delhi via a special Gulfstream G550 flight, transiting through Dubai. After a wait of 16 years, India now has the opportunity to prosecute one of the masterminds behind the attacks.
Focus of the Interrogation: Activities from 2005 to 2009
The NIA’s investigation is centered on the relationship between Rana and Headley. Evidence has revealed that in 2008, Rana met another planner of the attacks in Dubai, who advised him not to travel to India, as the preparations for the attacks were nearly complete. Rana also submitted a fraudulent visa application for Headley to India and provided fake documents to open a bank account with the Indian Reserve Bank.
Questions on Targets in Delhi, Goa, Pushkar, and Other Locations
During questioning, investigators are also probing whether Rana was aware of the videos and photographs Headley made while conducting reconnaissance in various locations in India, such as Delhi, Goa, Pushkar, the Chabad House, and the National Defense College (NDC) in 2009.
Rana Could Be Taken to Various Locations for Further Investigation
According to an NIA officer, in the coming weeks, Rana might be taken to different places where either he or Headley visited, including Mumbai, Agra, Kochi, and Ahmedabad, to identify witnesses and uncover more details of the conspiracy.
Rana is only the second individual to stand trial in India for the 26/11 attacks, and this marks the first time that an alleged mastermind of these horrific attacks has been taken into Indian custody. These attacks exposed major flaws in the country’s security apparatus, prompting extensive reforms and the creation of agencies like the NIA.