26/11 Plotter Tahawwur Rana Sent To Anti-Terror Agency’s Custody For 18 Days

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, has been remanded into the custody of the anti-terror agency NIA for 18 days. Rana was sent back from the US and arrived in Delhi on Thursday evening.

Tahawwur Rana, 64, was detained by the National Investigation Agency upon his arrival in Delhi. Sources indicated that he might soon be sent to Tihar jail in Delhi, which is known for its high security, and could ultimately be transferred to Mumbai for trial. He will be questioned by the NIA today.

In the late hours of the night, Rana was brought before a special court. The agency has presented substantial evidence, such as emails, while requesting police custody, and informed the court that detaining for questioning is essential to uncover the conspiracy.

He faces charges of criminal conspiracy, conducting war against the Indian government, murder, forgery, and violations of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Rana’s extradition occurs two months following US President Donald Trump’s announcement, during PM Modi’s visit, that his administration has greenlit the extradition of the “very evil” Rana. “I wholeheartedly congratulate the Prime Minister of the country,” posted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on X, formerly Twitter.

The chartered business jet carrying 26/11 attacks conspirator Tahawwur Rana from the United States to Delhi bypassed Pakistani airspace on Thursday and opted for a longer path to arrive in India. Nonetheless, the Gulfstream G550 – an opulent ultra-long-range corporate aircraft – followed the standard path over Pakistan on its way back to the UAE.

Chartered commercial and business flights operating between the US and India typically transit over Pakistan. The development occurs amidst a period when relations between India and Pakistan have reached their lowest point due to terrorism and New Delhi’s decision to revoke Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.