"NIA formed during UPA times": Kapil Sibal welcomes Tahawwur Rana's extradition

New Delhi [India], April 11 (ANI): As the terror accused Tahawwur Rana was arrested, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Friday said that the formation of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was a result of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. He said the central counter terrorism law enforcement agency was established during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government to tackle such incidents.
"Ever since the 26/11 terrorist attack happened in Mumbai and many were killed...it was necessary that those involved in the terrorist act must be punished by the law. I remember that NIA was established during UPA times. NIA registered a case in this incident on November 11, 2009, where the accused were David Headley and Tahawwur Rana," Sibal told reporters during a press conference.
Narrating the actions undertaken by the investigative agency, he said that NIA expressed displeasure to the US over the terror accused Rana being left out of certain charges in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack case. Sibal said that an NIA team examined co-accused David Headley, who was under custody there and uncovered the conspiracy.
"Rana was arrested in Chicago, but he was released. NIA expressed displeasure to the US over the issue, saying that some charges were not imposed. In December 2009, the chargesheet was filed against Rana and Headley and other unknown persons. Through mutual assistance, the NIA team reached America and examined Headley, who was under custody there. The conspiracy was uncovered as this happened," Sibal said.
He welcomed the extradition of Rana to India, crediting the efforts undertaken by both the previous UPA government and the current NDA government. With Rana's extradition, Sibal added, other conspirators from Pakistan's establishment would be revealed.
"Today, the accused is before us, and things will become clearer as we know that only Tahawwur Rana and David Headley were not the conspirators, but more were involved. It will become clear who else from Pakistan's establishment was involved in that attack. I congratulate the UPA government for their efforts and also our government for their efforts, which have been successful. We have Tahawwur Rana in India today," he added.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has placed Tahawwur Rana, a key architect of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, under 18-day custody. Investigators suspect that similar terror plots were devised for multiple cities across India. To piece together the full scope of the conspiracy, officials may take Rana to various locations, retracing events from 17 years ago.
According to the sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expanding its probe into the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, with plans to take Tahawwur Rana to various locations across India.
His prolonged custody has been deemed necessary to facilitate an extensive interrogation aimed at uncovering deeper layers of the conspiracy. Authorities suspect that the tactics used in the Mumbai attacks were intended for execution in other cities as well, prompting investigators to examine whether similar plots were developed elsewhere.
To piece together crucial evidence and retrace events from 17 years ago, officials may transport Rana to key locations, allowing them to reconstruct the crime scene and gain deeper insight into the larger terror network at play.
Rana was formally arrested upon his arrival in India following his extradition from the U.S., which came after he had exhausted all legal avenues to prevent the move. Presented before a special court, the NIA argued that his custodial interrogation is essential to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.
According to investigators, David Coleman Headley--another key conspirator--had informed Rana about the attack plans before his visit to India. Their email exchanges serve as critical evidence of their involvement. Authorities aim to determine Rana's precise role in facilitating the devastating attacks.
Tight security measures were enforced during Rana's court appearance, with the Delhi Police evacuating the premises and restricting media access to ensure safety.
The NIA emphasised that Rana conspired with terrorist groups to orchestrate the 2008 attacks, which resulted in 166 fatalities and over 238 injuries. His extradition marks a significant milestone in bringing those responsible to justice. (ANI)