26/11 Mumbai terror attack: Tahawwur Rana to be brought to Kochi; Aide taken into custody
New Delhi/Kochi: The investigation into Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and currently in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has extended to Kerala, following leads related to his travels that year. Interrogation is ongoing.
As part of the probe, Rana will be brought to Kochi for evidence collection. It is learned that Rana claimed he had visited Kochi to recruit individuals for terrorist activities. The NIA has also taken into custody a person in Kochi who is believed to have assisted Rana during his visit.
The agency intends to interrogate this individual and Rana together.
The line of questioning by the NIA is based on the statements made by David Coleman Headley, the key conspirator behind the Mumbai terror attacks, to American investigative agencies, alongside Rana’s own testimony.
Rana had reportedly visited Kochi prior to the Mumbai terror attacks of November 26, 2008. He had travelled across various parts of the country from November 11 to 21 that year, allegedly in preparation for the attacks.
On November 16 and 17, 2008, Rana stayed in Kochi along with his wife Samra Akhtar. The NIA has found that during this time, Rana was in contact—directly or indirectly—with 13 individuals.
The investigation team is now looking to identify who in Kochi extended support to Rana. They are also trying to ascertain whether Rana stayed in any other locations in Kerala.
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