Tahawwur was in Mumbai during 26/11 attack, aided Lashkar terrorists

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key conspirator in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks who was recently extradited to India from the US after a prolonged diplomatic and legal battle, has made startling revelations on his connections with the Pakistan army and spy agency ISI. He also admitted to directly facilitating the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT)-led assault that killed 166 persons in Mumbai in November 2008.

A Pakistani-origin Canadian national, Tahawwur is currently lodged in Tihar Jail and is in judicial custody. During interrogation by Mumbai Police Crime Branch officers in the prison, he admitted to being present in Mumbai during the attacks and supporting the Lashkar operatives.

Tahawwur told the investigators that he was trusted by the Pakistanarmy and was once sent on a covert mission to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War. Officials said the revelation reaffirmed the long-suspected nexus between the 26/11 attackers and Pakistan’s military establishment.

The 63-year-old also confessed to being part of the operational planning of the attacks and conducting a reconnaissance of the high-value targets such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. He also admitted that he and David Coleman Headley, his long-time friend and co-conspirator, were trained by the LeT and worked in close coordination with ISI handlers.

Tahawwur was brought to India on April 10 following a landmark US Supreme Court ruling on April 4 that cleared the path for his extradition. Upon his arrival in New Delhi, he was produced before a special NIA court, which granted the agency 18 days of custody, factoring in medical and legal considerations. Later, he was sent to judicial custody.

Investigators said Tahawwur played a crucial role in enabling Headley—a US citizen who was born Daood Gilani—to travel to Mumbai under the guise of a business representative. “Tahawwur opened a branch of his immigration firm in Mumbai and appointed Headley its manager, despite the latter having no background in the business. The office served as a cover for Headley’s surveillance of potential targets, including hotels, Jewish centres and transport hubs,” the sources said.

Tahawwur also allegedly helped Headley submit fraudulent visa applications and provided documentation through his unsuspecting business partner to secure government clearances in India. Headley reportedly kept Tahawwur fully informed of his reconnaissance activities and Lashkar’s feedback, including detailed updates on the attack strategies.

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