In an order dated April 10, Special NIA Judge Chander Jit Singh said that there was enough material presented by the investigation agency to establish that the case concerns India’s national safety.
New Delhi: A special NIA court in India has observed that Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the key accused and associate of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack conspirator David Coleman Headley, had identified New Delhi as one of the planned targets for attacks similar to the 2008 Mumbai carnage.
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The court underlined that this was part of a wider terror conspiracy that crossed India’s borders.
In an order dated April 10, Special NIA Judge Chander Jit Singh said that there was enough material presented by the investigation agency to establish that the case concerns India’s national safety.
“The material produced on record reflect that the conspiracy in question travels beyond the geographical borders of India and multiple targets in the form of various places in multiple cities in India, including the national capital, were sought to be identified,” the judge noted in the 12-page order.
The court stressed the need for in-depth investigation into the deeply rooted terror plot.
“Thus, to reach the root of the matter and to unearth the facts which are laid in the deep-rooted conspiracy, a sustained custodial interrogation (of Rana) is required,” the judge stated.
The court further said:
“He needs to be confronted with witnesses and forensic and documentary evidence seized during the investigation, as well as material concerning the reconnaissance visits of the accused and his accomplices,” the judge said while sending Rana to 18-day NIA custody.
“This exercise indicates the necessity of custodial interrogation for which time is required,” the court emphasized.
Reaffirming the seriousness of the case, the judge added:
“The investigating agency should get a fair chance to thoroughly investigate the matter so as to present before the court complete facts in a holistic manner,” the judge observed.
Given Rana’s medical history and concerns raised about his health after arrest, and considering the sovereign assurance made during his extradition proceedings, the court directed proper medical care:
“Further, since the accused has mentioned that he got certain health issues, details of which he has given as history at the time of medical examination after his arrest and the contention of sovereign assurance given in the extradition proceedings, it is directed that in respect of the health condition of the accused, he shall be given due and proper medical care as per rules,” the judge ordered.
Also, the judge instructed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to conduct Rana’s medical check-up every 48 hours.
Rana was represented by senior advocate Dayan Krishnan, while special public prosecutor Narender Mann appeared for the NIA.
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To piece together missing links and revisit crucial sites related to the plot hatched almost 17 years ago, authorities may take Rana to various key locations across India. According to sources, this will help reconstruct the crime scene and expose the broader terror network behind the plan.
Who is Tahawwur Rana?
Tahawwur Rana, aged 64, is a Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman and was a close associate of David Coleman Headley, the main plotter of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Headley is a US citizen who helped carry out detailed reconnaissance missions for the attacks.
Rana was brought to India after the US Supreme Court on April 4 dismissed his review petition challenging his extradition to India.
India has charged Rana with conspiracy to commit multiple offenses, including:
Committing terrorist acts
Waging war against the country
Murder
Forgery
On November 26, 2008, a group of 10 Pakistani terrorists launched a coordinated and deadly assault across Mumbai. They attacked Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, two luxury hotels, and a Jewish centre, after entering Mumbai through the Arabian Sea route. The siege lasted nearly 60 hours and left 166 people dead.
