New Delhi/Mumbai: In a major breakthrough in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, Pakistani-origin Canadian national Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key conspirator, has disclosed a series of shocking revelations during his interrogation by Indian authorities following his extradition from the United States.
Rana, 64, was flown into India on a special aircraft in April this year after the US Supreme Court rejected his final appeal against extradition. He is currently in judicial custody until July 9, during which multiple agencies including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and intelligence officials have extensively questioned him.
Rana is a childhood friend of David Coleman Headley (a.k.a. Daood Gilani), the Pakistan-American terrorist who played a central role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks under the instructions of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed.
Key Revelations by Tahawwur Rana:
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Military Background and Fall from Grace: Rana revealed that he completed his MBBS in 1986 from Pakistan’s Army Medical College in Rawalpindi and was commissioned as a captain in the Pakistan Army, serving in Quetta, Sindh, Balochistan, Bahawalpur, and Siachen-Balotra. He claimed he developed pulmonary edema while posted at Siachen, went on medical leave, and was later declared a deserter.
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Deal with Headley to Erase Army Records: Rana confessed that he agreed to assist Headley in return for having his desertion record expunged by the Pakistan Army. He further claimed he had once been a trusted intelligence operative and had been deployed to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War on a covert mission.
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LeT’s Espionage Origins: He alleged that Lashkar-e-Taiba was originally established as a spy network, and it still operates with intelligence objectives under the guidance of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
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Terrorist Training Camps: Rana said Headley attended three LeT training sessions between 2003 and 2004, strengthening his radicalisation and operational capabilities.
Role in Planning the 26/11 Attacks:
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Rana admitted he was the mastermind behind the formation of Immigrant Law Centre, a fictitious firm used as a front for terrorist activities in India. He helped Headley establish a cover, arrange finances, and identify high-value targets in Indian cities.
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In November 2008, days before the attack, Rana entered India and stayed at a hotel in Powai, Mumbai, where he reportedly conducted reconnaissance of several key locations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).
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He later flew to Beijing via Dubai, claiming to have left the country before the attacks unfolded. Rana also said he was instrumental in helping Headley forge a new identity to facilitate smooth entry into India.
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When questioned about fake travel documents used by the terrorists, Rana controversially blamed the Indian Embassy, suggesting lapses on the Indian side.
ISI Involvement and Post-Attack Remarks:
Rana reaffirmed what Indian investigators have long alleged — that the 26/11 attacks were carried out with ISI’s backing. He named several known handlers and accused operatives, including Sajid Mir, Abdul Rehman Pasha, and Major Iqbal, as active participants in the conspiracy.
According to Rana, after the attack, Headley told him that “Indians deserved it”, revealing the deep-rooted hatred behind the operation.
Charges Filed:
Rana faces grave charges including criminal conspiracy, waging war against India, murder, forgery, and violations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Mumbai Police is preparing to arrest him formally once central investigations conclude.
Rana’s revelations are likely to have far-reaching diplomatic and security implications, especially in exposing the operational and logistical nexus between LeT, ISI, and global networks involved in cross-border terrorism.
