Tahawwur Rana and Indian soldier takes cover as the Taj Mahal hotel burns during Mumbai terrorist attack 26/11. | Phot: File image: PTI
New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is closely interrogating extradited 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana to extract information about a key conspirator based in Dubai, as well as a person who hosted David Coleman Headley in Mumbai prior to the 2008 attacks, sources said on Saturday.
Investigators are also probing whether fugitive terrorist Dawood Ibrahim or his D-Company network in Dubai played any role in the deadly conspiracy, according to the sources.
‘Dubai Man’ knew about the attack in advance
The unidentified individual from Dubai was reportedly aware of the 26/11 plot beforehand. NIA officials, who are keeping close watch over 64-year-old Rana in custody, have taken precautions to prevent any suicide attempt by the accused.
Rana’s fresh voice samples have been sent for forensic analysis. These are being compared with his recorded phone conversations with co-conspirators made shortly after the attacks.
Rana admits presence in Mumbai before attack
Rana, a former medical corps staffer in the Pakistan Army, is currently under NIA interrogation for having provided logistical support to his childhood friend Headley. While he has claimed memory lapses regarding many of the events, Rana has admitted he was in Mumbai for at least one week prior to the attack.
Investigators suspect that the Dubai-based conspirator met Rana on Headley’s instructions. The broader planning of the attack reportedly began as early as 2005 and continued for three years.
Headley’s local aide confronted
An NIA team had earlier questioned Headley, also known as Daood Gilani, in the United States in 2010. Convicted for his role in the 26/11 attacks, Headley’s statements and connections are central to the investigation.
Sources said that the NIA had arranged for Headley’s Mumbai host to be present for a face-to-face confrontation with Rana, to confirm their activities in Mumbai. These included reconnaissance of key locations such as the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and Nariman House (Chabad House) in Colaba—both prime targets during the attack.
Use of geotagging to select targets
Headley allegedly used satellite geotagging, a method that utilises remote sensing data to assign geographic coordinates to media, such as photos or videos. This helped the 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists identify their intended targets using specific coordinates.
Armed with detailed maps and layouts, the terrorists landed at a fishing colony in Mumbai and launched coordinated shooting and bombing attacks across 12 locations. Their four primary targets were Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident, and Nariman House.
166 lives lost over three days
The attacks began on 26 November 2008 and continued until 29 November, resulting in the deaths of 166 people, including six US nationals.
Probe into other key conspirators
Rana’s 18-day-long interrogation may also shed light on the roles played by Pakistani nationals Ilyas Kashmiri and Abdur Rehman. The NIA also plans to question him on the involvement of senior Lashkar-e-Taiba figures Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and Sajid Majeed Mir.
Details of Rana’s background emerge
Rana, who has spoken about his Pakistani roots, told investigators how he studied medicine before joining the Pakistan Army. He and his wife, both doctors, became Canadian citizens in 2001. A few years later, he established an immigration and travel agency in Chicago.
IANS
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