26/11 Tahawwur Rana jail plea partially approved, awaiting NIA response
New Delhi [India], July 15 (ANI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) sought time on Tuesday to respond to a plea moved by Tahawur Rana, who is seeking regular telephonic conversations with his family. Jail authorities have filed their response. Earlier, he was allowed to talk to his family. Special NIA judge Chander Jit Singh listed the Matter for hearing on July 25. Meanwhile, the court has allowed a plea of Rana seeking a direction to provide a bed and a mattress in Tihar Jail. The jail authorities had opposed the plea, submitting that, according to jail rules, inmates aged 65 or older can be provided a bed. Rana has not attained the age of 65.
On the other hand, it was submitted on behalf of Rana that he is 64 years 6 months and has medical issues. After considering the submissions, the court allowed Rana's plea. Additionally, the NIA informed the court that it has provided the complete medical history of Rana to the Jail authorities.
Earlier, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on July 9 filed a supplementary charge sheet against Tahawur Rana in the 26/11 Mumbai terror case. The court had extended the judicial custody of Rana till August 13.
This supplementary charge sheet contains procedural documents, including arrest memos, seizure memos, and other relevant documents, Rana's counsel, Piyush Sachdev, told ANI. The main charge sheet was filed by the NIA in December 2011. On June 9, the Court had granted Tahawwur Rana permission to make a single phone call to his family for the time being. The call was strictly conducted in accordance with jail regulations and under the supervision of a senior official from the Tihar jail authorities.
Recently, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) collected voice and handwriting samples from Rana, who was extradited from the United States.
The NIA had previously informed the court that Rana was confronted with substantial evidence related to the 26/11 attacks. The agency argued for further custody, citing his evasive behaviour during questioning and lack of cooperation. Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan and Special Public Prosecutor Narender Mann represented the NIA in the proceedings, while Advocate Piyush Sachdeva defended Rana. A 64-year-old Canadian businessman of Pakistani origin, Rana, was extradited recently in connection with his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The devastating attack, orchestrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed over 170 lives and left hundreds injured. (ANI)