After 17 years of anticipation, the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Tahawwur Rana, is finally under the scrutiny of the law. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is eager to uncover answers to pressing questions dating back to that fateful day. On Friday, Tahawwur Rana faced questioning by the NIA for the very first time.
According to sources, the NIA inquired about his meetings during his stay in India. Yet, Tahawwur Rana withheld cooperation, repeatedly claiming he remembers nothing.
Currently held at the NIA headquarters in Delhi, Rana remains tight-lipped, providing little satisfaction in his responses as he often retorts with 'I don't remember.' His family and associates are also subjects of questioning, but Rana chooses silence.
A Lengthy List of Questions...
Sources reveal the NIA's determination to delve into all aspects related to the Mumbai attacks. The agenda is packed, with plans to explore the sleeper cell connections that linked Tahawwur Hussain Rana and his ground operative, David Coleman Headley, during their visit to India.
Did Tahawwur Rana visit India right before the attacks?
Although accompanying Headley to limited locations, Rana played a pivotal role in facilitating his journey by establishing immigration law centers in Mumbai. His arrival in India occurred between November 8 and November 21, 2008, where he furthered his dealings under the guise of a legitimate businessman.
The NIA coordinates closely with ATS teams, utilizing inputs resulting from Rana's revelations, inquiring about his contacts during his stay.
Headley is accused of orchestrating extensive reconnaissance operations, allegedly aided by Rana's fronted business activities. Uncovering the elusive sleeper module that assisted Headley in Mumbai is a top priority.
During Headley's reconnaissance visit to India, he surveyed numerous locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), Nariman House (Jewish Chabad Center), and Leopold Café. The arrangements to send Headley to India stemmed from Rana himself.
The NIA endeavors to extract information regarding Headley's local contacts, with numerous locations scouted and documented by Rana, prompting video recordings and photography during 2006 to 2008.
A Delhi Sleeper Module
Posing as a businessman, Headley visited Delhi, suspected of scheming future attacks and scouting potential targets. His possible journeys to Goan tourist hotspots led to surveillance insights shared with Pakistani handlers. Evidence suggests Headley conducted reconnaissance in Pune, including Osho Ashram and possibly Pune Chabad House.
In an alleged guise of tourism or business, Headley's travels extended to Pushkar, Rajasthan, among other cities. He gathered intelligence, identifying spots frequented by foreign tourists.
