A Delhi court on Monday reserved its decision on a petition filed by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) seeking extended custody of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks case. The NIA, citing fresh leads, requested an additional 12 days of custodial interrogation to further investigate Rana’s role in planning and facilitating the attacks.
Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian national, was extradited to India earlier this year after a protracted legal battle in the United States. Authorities allege that he provided critical logistical support to Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives, including David Coleman Headley, who carried out reconnaissance missions in Mumbai.
During today’s hearing, NIA lawyers argued that Rana’s interrogation has revealed significant new information but requires further probing. Defense counsel countered, claiming that Rana has been cooperative and that extended detention violates his legal rights.
The court has indicated it will issue its ruling within the next three days. Meanwhile, the families of the 26/11 victims, many of whom attended the hearing, expressed hope that justice will finally be served. The 2008 attacks, which killed 166 people and injured hundreds, remain one of the deadliest terror incidents in India’s history.
This case holds symbolic and diplomatic significance for India, reaffirming its commitment to counter-terrorism efforts globally.