New Delhi, May 1 — A Delhi court has granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) permission to collect voice and handwriting samples of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, one of the key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The development marks a significant step forward in the ongoing investigation into one of India’s deadliest terror incidents.
According to a source familiar with the proceedings, Special NIA Judge Chander Jeet Singh passed the order on April 30 following a formal request by the agency. Earlier, on April 28, the court had extended Rana’s custody by 12 days, allowing the agency further time to investigate.
Rana, a U.S. citizen, was recently extradited to India after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his plea challenging the extradition order on April 4. He is considered a close associate of David Coleman Headley, also known as Daood Gilani, one of the main conspirators behind the attacks.
As per agency report, Rana is alleged to have played a role in facilitating logistical support to the attackers. The NIA believes that the voice and handwriting samples will be critical in corroborating evidence collected during the investigation.
The 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which began on November 26, 2008, involved ten heavily armed Pakistani terrorists who entered Mumbai via sea routes. They targeted multiple locations including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Taj Mahal and Oberoi Trident hotels, and the Jewish center Nariman House.
The siege lasted nearly 60 hours and claimed 166 lives, leaving hundreds injured and prompting a massive overhaul of India’s coastal and counter-terrorism security protocols.
Rana’s extradition and the court’s latest directive are viewed as key milestones in bringing all conspirators of the 2008 attack to justice.
