Pakistani-origin Canadian national Tahawwur Hussain Rana, currently in the custody of India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), has made startling confessions linking himself directly to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, according to sources.
Rana, who is lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail following his extradition from the United States earlier this year, reportedly told the Mumbai Crime Branch during interrogation that he was present in the city when the attacks took place. He also claimed that his presence in Mumbai was part of the terrorists' premeditated plan.
Sources revealed that Rana admitted to being a trusted associate of the Pakistan Army and confirmed that he and his close aide, David Coleman Headley, had undergone several training sessions with the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He is also said to have described the LeT as primarily a spy network.
Rana reportedly disclosed that the proposal to open an immigration centre in Mumbai through his company was his own idea. Financial transactions made under this venture were declared as legitimate business expenses, he claimed.
However, he confirmed that he had visited high-profile targets such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus prior to the attacks, indicating a deliberate reconnaissance effort.
The 64-year-old further alleged that the 26/11 attacks were executed in cooperation with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
He also stated that the Pakistani army had previously sent him to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War, reinforcing his longstanding ties with Pakistani defence and intelligence agencies.
Following these disclosures, the Mumbai Police are reportedly preparing to arrest Rana and seek his custody for further questioning.
Rana was brought to India in May after the US Supreme Court dismissed his petition opposing extradition on 4 April. He has been charged with conspiracy, murder, terrorist activity, and forgery in connection with the 26/11 attacks.
His judicial custody was last extended by a Delhi court until 9 July.
The 2008 Mumbai attacks, carried out by 10 Pakistani terrorists, led to the deaths of 166 people and left hundreds injured over a three-day siege. Iconic locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and the Jewish Centre Nariman House, were targeted.
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