NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has made explosive claims linking Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies to the deadly assault. Sources say Rana admitted to being in Mumbai during the 26/11 attacks and revealed close ties with the Pakistani Army and terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Rana, 64, is currently in the custody of India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) at Delhi’s Tihar Jail. He is being questioned in connection with the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people and injured hundreds more.
During questioning by the Mumbai Crime Branch, Rana reportedly confessed to his direct involvement in the attacks. He said he traveled to Mumbai during the carnage and that his presence there was part of the larger terror plot. Sources said he identified himself as a trusted agent of the Pakistani Army.
He also claimed to have undergone training with Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Pakistan-based terror group blamed for the coordinated assault. Rana said he attended the training sessions along with David Coleman Headley, another main accused who is serving a prison sentence in the United States.
Rana’s statements indicate a deeper role played by Pakistani authorities in the planning and execution of the attacks. He told investigators that the operation had direct backing from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He also said that he visited targeted locations like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) before the attack.
Sources said Rana revealed that his company’s immigration office in Mumbai was opened specifically to support the mission. All financial transactions made through the office were reportedly shown as business expenses. Investigators believe this was used as a cover to aid the attackers.
Rana also claimed that he had been sent to Saudi Arabia by the Pakistani Army during the Gulf War, further highlighting his long-standing ties with military and intelligence networks.
Following these disclosures, the Mumbai Police are preparing to formally arrest Rana. Officials say he will soon be transferred from NIA custody to Mumbai Police custody for further investigation.
Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian national, was extradited to India earlier this year after a prolonged legal process. The U.S. Supreme Court dismissed his appeal on April 4, clearing the way for his extradition. He was brought to India in May and placed under judicial custody. A Delhi court last month extended his custody until July 9. He faces multiple charges, including conspiracy, murder, and facilitating terrorist activity.
The Mumbai terror attacks took place over three days in November 2008. Ten armed terrorists from Pakistan carried out a series of coordinated shootings and bombings across the city. Key targets included the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, CSMT, and the Nariman House Jewish Center.
The assault paralyzed Mumbai for nearly 60 hours and was broadcast live around the world. Only one of the attackers, Ajmal Kasab, was captured alive. He was later tried and executed in India. Indian authorities have long maintained that the attack had backing from Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies. Rana’s latest statements appear to support those claims.
Rana’s revelations may have far-reaching diplomatic consequences. His statements are likely to renew international pressure on Pakistan to act against terror groups operating within its borders. They may also bolster India’s long-standing position on Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism.
The Indian government has not yet issued an official statement on Rana’s disclosures. However, officials involved in the investigation say they will use his testimony to build a stronger case for justice in the 26/11 attacks. Rana remains in custody as investigations continue. Authorities are expected to file additional charges based on the new evidence.
