Who is the key contact Tahawwur Rana met in Dubai ahead of 26/11 Mumbai attacks? NIA probes

The National Investigation Agency is questioning Tahawwur Rana for the third consecutive day and sleuths are trying to unravel the role Rana played and the persons he met ahead of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The central agency has been granted Rana’s custody for 18 days.

 

A 12-member multi-agency team including officers from NIA and Intelligence Bureau are interrogating Rana. Lodged in a special cell inside the NIA’s headquarters in Delhi, the 64-year-old Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman is being probed about his connections in India, his relationship with terror attacks mastermind David Coleman Headley and his trips to various parts of the country ahead of the attacks. 

 

According to reports, investigators are trying to unravel specific details regarding Rana’s role in the attacks and his communications with Headley ahead of the attacks. Investigators are also questioning Rana about the testimony he gave to the FBI. The Department of Justice in the United States in a statement said, after the attacks, Rana told Headley that “ Indians deserved it.” He also allegedly said the nine terrorists involved in the attacks must be given Pakistan’s highest gallantry award for fallen soldiers.

 

Reportedly, investigators are probing about persons Rana met days before the attack. “Rana is also being asked about people he met in the lead-up to the attacks, especially a key contact in Dubai who, according to officials, may have been aware of the plan to target Mumbai,” Hindustan Times reported quoting officials.

 

Meanwhile, security has been heightened at the agency’s headquarters and security personnel are keeping a close watch so that Rana doesn’t hurt himself in the cell. “He has been provided with the Quran at his request and pen and paper. “He requested for a copy of Quran which we provided. He is seen offering Namaz five times in his cell,” an official told the publication.

India