A Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court has approved the agency to collect voice and handwriting samples from Tahawwur Rana, a suspect in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana, who was extradited from America recently, is currently in NIA custody.
Special NIA Judge Chander Jit Singh approved the agency’s request on Wednesday, marking a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the fatal 26/11 attacks that killed over 170 people.
Earlier this week, the court extended Rana’s custody with the NIA for another 12 days to allow for further questioning. During the hearing, the NIA informed the court that Rana had been presented with a large amount of records and evidence related to the attacks but was being obstructive during questioning. The agency argued that custodial interrogation was necessary to gather crucial information about Rana’s alleged involvement.
Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan and Special Public Prosecutor Narender Mann represented the NIA, while Rana was represented by Advocate Piyush Sachdeva, who was appointed through legal services. Rana’s counsel argued against extending remand, stating that further custodial interrogation was unnecessary.
Rana, a Canadian of Pakistani origin and aged 64, is charged with assisting the principal conspirators in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack by the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba. His extradition from the US last month has been seen as a significant step in India’s efforts to bring all the conspirators to justice.
The NIA continues to investigate Rana’s suspected associations with individuals involved in planning and executing the attacks, which included targeting various points in Mumbai such as hotels, a railway station, and a Jewish center.
Reference : https://zeenews.india.com/india/nia-gets-court-nod-to-collect-voice-handwriting-samples-of-26/11-accused-tahawwur-rana-2893820.html
