Mumbai Terror Attack Accused Tahawwur Rana Remanded to 18-Day NIA Custody

Tahawwur Rana, one of the accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been remanded to 18 days of custody by a Delhi court. His extradition marks a major development in the long-pending legal process surrounding the case.

Rana, who was extradited from the United States, arrived in Delhi yesterday following India's sustained efforts to bring him to justice. Upon his arrival at the airport, he underwent a medical examination, after which he was taken directly to Patiala House Court late at night.

Sources confirmed that there was a two-and-a-half-hour delay between Rana’s landing and his court appearance. Once produced, a closed-door hearing was held, where lawyers from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) sought 20 days of custody to interrogate Rana further.

During the proceedings, the NIA presented key evidence and argued that Rana’s custodial interrogation was crucial to unraveling deeper aspects of the conspiracy behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The court, after hearing the arguments, granted 18 days of NIA custody.

Following the court’s order, Tahawwur Rana was taken directly to the NIA headquarters for further investigation.

Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian businessman, is accused of facilitating the movements and activities of David Headley, one of the key conspirators of the Mumbai attacks that killed over 170 people. His extradition is seen as a significant step in strengthening the case against the international network involved in the planning and execution of the attacks.

Further legal proceedings are expected after the conclusion of the NIA custody period.