Explosive confession from 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana confirms role as Pakistani agent
by Utsav RoyTahawwur Hussain Rana, identified as one of the architects behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror strike, has delivered startling statements during interrogation. Rana, currently lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail under National Investigation Agency (NIA) supervision, revealed to the Mumbai Crime Branch that he was physically present in Mumbai during the carnage and operated as a “trusted asset” for Pakistan’s army.
According to investigators, Rana confirmed that he and close associate David Coleman Headley attended several Lashkar‑e‑Taiba (LeT) training programs in Pakistan. He portrayed LeT primarily as an intelligence‑gathering outfit, highlighting extensive reconnaissance missions they conducted for future strikes.
Rana also disclosed that the proposal to establish an immigration facilitation office for his company in Mumbai originated with him. He described the firm’s Mumbai expenses as “standard business outlays,” acknowledging these transactions masked operational costs linked to the terror plot. Rana further admitted inspecting potential targets such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus before the assault and asserted that the massacre was executed with backing from Pakistan’s Inter‑Services Intelligence (ISI).
Investigators say Rana, now 64, claimed the Pakistani military deployed him to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War (also known locally as the Khaleej War), underlining his long‑standing ties with Pakistani defense establishments. Based on these revelations, Mumbai Police are preparing to formally arrest Rana and request his custodial interrogation.
A Pakistani‑origin Canadian national, Rana was extradited to India earlier this year following the April 4 dismissal of his review petition in the US Supreme Court. Once in India, he was placed in NIA judicial custody in May on charges that include conspiracy, murder, execution of terrorist acts, and document forgery. A Delhi court last month extended his judicial custody until July 9.
The 26/11 attacks, waged over nearly 60 hours by ten Pakistan‑based gunmen, claimed 166 lives at iconic locations such as the Taj Mahal and Oberoi hotels, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus rail hub, and the Jewish outreach center Nariman House, marking one of India’s deadliest terror episodes