New Delhi: In a significant breakthrough in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday took Tahawwur Hussain Rana into 18-day custody, marking a major step towards uncovering the full scope of the conspiracy behind the deadly 2008 strikes.

Rana, who is believed to be a key conspirator in the attacks that claimed 166 lives and left over 238 injured, was brought before the NIA Special Court at Patiala House a day after his extradition from the United States. The court granted the agency 18 days of custody for thorough interrogation.

He arrived at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday evening and was immediately placed under formal arrest. Following the court order on Friday, Rana was transported under heavy security to the NIA headquarters at the CGO Complex, where he will be held in a high-security cell.

According to the agency, Rana’s custodial interrogation is crucial to piecing together the larger plot behind the 26/11 attacks, which were orchestrated by the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. The NIA believes Rana's questioning will provide critical insights into the planning, logistics, and international network that enabled the attack.

The extradition marks the culmination of a prolonged legal battle in the US, where Rana had exhausted all legal avenues in an attempt to block his transfer to India. The NIA’s sustained diplomatic and legal efforts finally paid off, leading to his return.

Officials emphasised that the coming days of interrogation will be instrumental in deepening India's understanding of the international dimensions of the 26/11 conspiracy and identifying other operatives involved.

Rana was brought to New Delhi Thursday evening, escorted by teams of NSG and NIA, comprising senior officials, on a special plane from Los Angeles.

The extradition finally came through after Rana's various litigations and appeals, including an emergency application before the US Supreme Court, were rejected.

With the coordinated efforts of India's Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs, along with the relevant authorities in the United States, the surrender warrant for the wanted terrorist was eventually secured and the extradition was carried out, the statement said. PTI