Terror Mastermind’s Custody Extended in 26/11 Attack Case

In a significant development related to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the mastermind of the devastating assault, Tahawwur Hussain Rana, has had his custody extended by another 12 days. The extension was granted by the Patiala House Court, following a request from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), as the investigation into his role in the 2008 attacks deepens.

Tahawwur Rana, a key figure linked to the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, was brought to court after completing an 18-day custody period. During his earlier detention, the NIA interrogated him in detail to uncover the full scope of the conspiracy behind the Mumbai attacks, which claimed the lives of 166 people and injured over 300.

The NIA was represented by senior advocates Dayan Krishnan and Narendra Man, while Rana’s defense was handled by Piyush Sachdeva from the Delhi Legal Services Authority. Rana's custody extension follows his recent extradition to India from the United States, where he had been fighting against deportation for several years. In a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court approved his extradition in 2023, which was later ratified by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian citizen, played a crucial role in planning the horrific attack, orchestrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba, which targeted multiple locations across Mumbai. The assault left the city reeling and marked a dark chapter in India’s fight against terrorism. As the investigation progresses, Rana's involvement continues to be a key focus for authorities seeking to unravel the full extent of the conspiracy.

Born in Pakistan, Rana had been living in the U.S. since the late 1990s, operating businesses in Chicago. His ties to Lashkar-e-Taiba, which he allegedly fostered while living in the U.S., led to his eventual arrest in 2009. Despite his detention, Rana’s legal battle against extradition dragged on for years. Now, facing trial in India, he remains under heavy security as he is questioned further about his role in the attacks.

With the legal proceedings set to unfold, the extension of his custody marks a crucial point in the long-awaited pursuit of justice for the victims of the 26/11 tragedy.