Key Suspect in 26/11 Mumbai Attacks Rejects Involvement in Mumbai Police Probe

Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin and a suspected orchestrator of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, denied any connection to the deadly 26/11 strikes during an extensive interrogation by Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch on Thursday. The eight-hour questioning session, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Datta Nalawade, saw Rana, 64, remain uncooperative, providing evasive responses to investigators’ queries.

Rana, a former Pakistan Army officer, insisted that his business, First World Immigration Services, was a legitimate operation and not a cover for terrorist activities, as alleged by authorities. Despite his denials, officials continue to view Rana as a central figure in the attacks, largely based on testimony from David Coleman Headley, another key accused in the case. Headley’s statements have been pivotal in linking Rana to the planning and logistics of the November 2008 assault, which claimed 166 lives and injured over 238 people in Mumbai.

The interrogation focused on uncovering Rana’s alleged role in coordinating the attacks, including his connections to Pakistan-based operatives and the logistical support provided for the operation. A senior police official noted that Rana’s lack of cooperation has not deterred the investigation, with authorities determined to probe deeper into his involvement.

Rana was extradited to India from the United States on April 10, 2025, following a prolonged legal battle. He is currently in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has been granted 18 days to question him about the broader conspiracy behind the 26/11 attacks. The NIA has presented evidence, including emails sent by Rana, to justify his continued detention, emphasizing the need to unravel what they describe as a “sinister plot” targeting multiple Indian cities.

The Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch is working in tandem with the NIA to piece together the intricate network behind the attacks, which involved 10 Pakistani terrorists targeting key locations, including a railway station, luxury hotels, and a Jewish center. The investigation remains a priority for Indian authorities, who are committed to bringing all perpetrators to justice.