Worked For Pakistani Army, Did Secret Mission In Saudi Arabia: Tahawwur Rana Tells Mumbai Police

Key figure in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Tahawwur Hussain Rana, has made startling claims. According to Mumbai Police sources, he revealed that he was a trusted operative of the Pakistani Army and was dispatched on a covert mission to Saudi Arabia. This revelation adds another layer to his involvement in the terror plot.

Tahawwur Rana is currently in NIA custody and was interrogated by the Mumbai Crime Branch regarding his role in the 26/11 attacks. A senior officer noted that Tahawwur Rana remains fixated on his previous statements and continues to provide information. However, his radical ideology is evident in his manner of speaking.

Tahawwur Rana's Military Background

Tahawwur Rana shared details about his military career, stating he completed his MBBS at Army Medical College, Rawalpindi in 1986. He was then appointed as a Captain (doctor) in Quetta. His work took him to sensitive military regions like Sindh, Balochistan, Bahawalpur, and the Siachen-Balotra sector.

He also disclosed that during his time in Siachen, he suffered from pulmonary edema. This health issue led to an extended absence from duty, resulting in him being labeled a deserter and subsequently dismissed from service.

Tahawwur Rana's Connections with Key Conspirators

Tahawwur Rana admitted knowing several key conspirators involved in the 26/11 attacks. These include Abdul Rehman Pasha, Sajid Mir, and Major Iqbal, all linked to Pakistan and implicated in the Mumbai terror plot. His connections highlight his strategic importance within these networks.

Fluent in multiple languages such as Hindi, English, Arabic, and Pashto, Rana's linguistic skills likely aided his operations. He revealed that David Headley attended three training courses with Lashkar-e-Taiba between 2003 and 2004 but couldn't recall all course names.

The Mumbai Immigration Centre

When questioned about the Mumbai immigration centre's establishment, Rana claimed it was entirely his idea and not Headley's. He mentioned that funds sent to Headley were meant for business expenses but acknowledged challenges in attracting clients at their Mumbai office.

Legal Proceedings and Extradition

Tahawwur Rana faced extradition from the United States after a prolonged legal battle. On April 4th, the US Supreme Court rejected his plea against extradition to India for charges related to the terror attack. This decision marked a significant step towards holding him accountable for his alleged role.

Aged 64 and of Pakistani origin but holding Canadian citizenship, Rana was closely associated with David Coleman Headley. Headley played a pivotal role as an operative for Lashkar-e-Taiba during the attacks that resulted in 166 deaths and over 300 injuries across Mumbai's landmarks.