The 26/11 Mumbai Terrorist attack (2008) chief conspirator Tawwur Hussain Rana has made shocking revelations in the interrogation of the Crime Branch of the Mumbai Police. Rana, a Canadian citizen of a Pakistani origin, was extradited from the US in April 2025 to India. In the Mumbai Police interrogation, Rana admitted that he was the “reliable agent” of the Pakistani Army and had reconnated several places in the city before the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Rana also revealed that Lashkar-e-Taiba (Let) was initially built as a detective network, and his colleague David Coleman Headley held several terrorist training sessions with letters.
Rana’s role and inquiry
The 64 -year -old Rana, who lived in Chicago, planned an attack with his childhood friend and Let’s operative David Headley. Rana used his immigration firm, First World International, as a cover for Headley to take targets in Mumbai. He also confessed to being present in Mumbai with terrorists who attacked the Taj Hotel during 26/11 attacks. Rana is accused of criminal conspiracy, waging war against the Government of India, murder, forgery and illegal activity (prevention) Act (UAPA).
Extradition and custody
Rana was brought to India from the US in April 2025 and was detained by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Delhi. The NIA had sought his 18-day custody, claiming that he was non-cooperative and was giving a reply. In May 2025, he was sent to Tihar Jail, and in June a Delhi court allowed him to call a phone call from the family. The NIA believes that Rana has important information about the future terrorist plans of Let and its leading Hafiz Saeed.
Pakistan’s connection
Rana revealed that he was posted in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War, and confirmed the deep relations with the Pakistan’s Pakistani intelligence agency ISI and the army. He mentioned his conversation with major terrorists like Hafiz Saeed, Ilyas Kashmiri and Abdur Rahman. He also claimed that a comprehensive plan for the 26/11 attack lasted for three years.
Social and legal influence
Rana’s extradition is considered a major step towards justice in the 26/11 attack, killing 166 people and injured more than 238. Rana’s interrogation can detect the deep levels of the conspiracy of Let and ISI. On social media, people called it a “victory of justice”, and many have demanded Rana’s sentence.
