Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 17: Fresh revelations have emerged in the ongoing probe into the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, as key accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana, recently extradited to India, undergoes interrogation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Early findings suggest possible links between Rana and Pakistan, despite Islamabad's denial of any association.

Sources in the NIA confirmed that Rana, currently being questioned at the agency’s headquarters in New Delhi, has provided leads suggesting connections with individuals in Pakistan. While the interrogation is still in its preliminary stages, investigators say there are clear indications tying him to the neighbouring country.

Following his extradition from the United States last week, Pakistan officially disassociated itself from Rana, with foreign office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan asserting that Rana, a Canadian national, had not renewed any Pakistani documentation in over 20 years.

The NIA had originally registered a case against Rana on November 11, 2009, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The case also invoked provisions under the SAARC Convention (Suppression of Terrorism) Act. According to NIA, Rana and his co-accused, David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani (a US national), had conspired with Pakistan-based terror outfits — Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) — to carry out terror activities in India.

The conspiracy allegedly had the backing of ISI operatives, including individuals identified as Major Iqbal, alias Major Ali, and Major Sameer Ali, alias Major Samir. All the remaining suspects named in the charge sheet, including LeT founder Hafiz Saeed and key handlers like Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and Illyas Kashmiri, remain absconding. Non-bailable warrants have been issued against them by the Special Court, NIA, Patiala House, New Delhi.

Interpol red notices were also issued at the request of Indian authorities, with Headley’s extradition still pending in the US, while Rana has now been handed over to Indian officials.
The developments have reignited concerns over cross-border terror networks and the need for greater international cooperation in bringing perpetrators to justice.