NIA Sources Describe Tahawwur Rana As 'Religious Man'; Terror Accused Offers Namaz 5 Times, Given Quran, Pen

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) questioned Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a conspirator in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, for the second consecutive day as part of their probe into the broader plot behind the coordinated strikes of 2008.

According to unnamed sources cited by news agency PTI, Rana is being held in a high-security cell within the NIA headquarters at the CGO complex in New Delhi, under constant guard by security personnel.

Photo Credit: NIA via PTI Photo

Hindustan Times reported that Rana is being treated "as any other arrested person with no special treatment." At his request, he has been given a copy of the Quran and is regularly observed offering Namaz five times a day inside his cell.

"He requested for a copy of Quran which we provided. He is seen offering Namaz five times in his cell," an officer said, describing Rana as a "religious man."

In addition to the Quran, Rana asked for pen and paper, which have also been provided, although he remains under close observation to ensure the pen is not used to inflict self-harm. "Beyond that, he has not made any other demands," the officer added.

As per court directives, Rana is permitted to meet a lawyer appointed by the Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA) every other day and undergoes a medical check-up every 48 hours.

"All procedures are being followed, like for other arrested individuals," confirmed another officer.

Rana was brought to the NIA headquarters early Friday morning after a Delhi court granted the agency 18 days' custody, following his extradition from the United States.

Tahawwur Rana's Interrogation Continues

Rana is currently being questioned by a team of NIA officials as they attempt to piece together his precise involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that rocked the nation more than 16 years ago.

According to unnamed sources quoted by PTI, investigators are confronting him with a series of leads, including numerous phone calls between him and David Coleman Headley - also known as Daood Gilani - the American national serving a sentence in the United States for his role in the attacks.

He is also being questioned about individuals he met in the period leading up to the strikes, particularly a key contact in Dubai who officials believe may have had foreknowledge of the plan to target Mumbai.

The 64-year-old Canadian businessman, originally from Pakistan, is also under scrutiny for his suspected ties to Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI, and the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, which orchestrated the attacks.

Officials hope that Rana's responses - especially regarding his travel across various parts of north and south India shortly before the incident - may help reveal new facets of the conspiracy.