26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana produced in Delhi court post-extradition

New Delhi: Tahawwur Hussain Rana, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was brought before a Delhi court on Thursday night under tight security arrangements.

Rana was presented before Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Judge Chander Jit Singh, who is currently hearing the arguments in the custody proceedings related to the case.

Legal representation

Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan and special public prosecutor Narender Mann appeared on behalf of the NIA. Advocate Piyush Sachdeva, representing the Delhi Legal Services Authority, has been appointed to defend Rana.

Courtroom  secured ahead of hearing

Ahead of Rana’s court appearance, Delhi Police cleared the court premises of media personnel and members of the public, citing security concerns.

While asking the mediapersons to vacate the premises, the police said it was ensuring the court area remained completely vacant. Authorities added that “no one would be permitted inside” the courtroom complex.

Rana was brought to the court in a convoy of multiple vehicles, which included a jail van, an armoured Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) vehicle, and an ambulance.

Extradition from the United States

Rana, a close associate of 26/11 key conspirator David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, a US national, was extradited to India earlier on Thursday. The extradition followed the dismissal of his review plea by the US Supreme Court on 4 April.

PTI