In a significant development related to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Pakistani-origin Canadian citizen Tahawwur Hussain Rana has reportedly confessed during interrogation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that he was present in Mumbai at the time of the attacks. According to intelligence sources and NIA interrogation reports, Rana admitted to being an agent of the Pakistani military and having deep links with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI.
This revelation could further strengthen India’s diplomatic and legal stand against Pakistan’s involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, one of the deadliest terror attacks on Indian soil.
Who Is Tahawwur Rana?
Tahawwur Hussain Rana, 64, is a Pakistani-origin Canadian national who once served as a military doctor in the Pakistan Army. He later immigrated to Canada in 1997 and set up immigration consultancy services under the name First World Immigration Services, operating from Chicago, USA, and other international locations including Canada, Germany, and the UK.
Rana was arrested in October 2009 by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Chicago on charges of providing material support to the LeT and facilitating the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and a failed plot in Copenhagen.
NIA Interrogation: What Did Rana Reveal?
During recent interrogations by NIA officials, Rana made several damning revelations:
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He confessed to being in Mumbai during the 26/11 attacks.
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He acknowledged working as an agent of the Pakistani Army and ISI.
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He admitted that he underwent multiple training sessions in Pakistan with LeT along with David Coleman Headley, the convicted mastermind of the Mumbai attacks.
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Rana confirmed that Lashkar-e-Taiba functions like a deep-state espionage network, blending terrorism with intelligence operations.
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He stated that the 2008 Mumbai terror attack was executed with the involvement of ISI, further solidifying India’s long-standing claim.
Setup of Immigration Office in Mumbai for Cover
Rana also revealed to investigators that he had established an immigration consultancy office in Mumbai under his company as a cover for facilitating logistical support for the terror plot.
This office was allegedly used to conduct reconnaissance and facilitate David Headley’s movement, allowing him to survey key locations like Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), one of the primary attack sites. Rana also admitted that he personally conducted recce operations at several target locations under the guise of business activities.
🇵🇰 Deep ISI Involvement and Middle East Connection
According to sources, Rana revealed that ISI had direct involvement in planning and supporting the Mumbai terror attacks. He further disclosed that during the Gulf War, he was posted in Saudi Arabia by the Pakistan Army, indicating his longstanding links with military and strategic missions.
David Headley and Tahawwur Rana: A Dangerous Alliance
David Coleman Headley, a U.S. national of Pakistani origin, had played a pivotal role in surveying Mumbai and passing information to Lashkar-e-Taiba for the coordinated terror attack. Rana and Headley were known to be close friends.
Despite knowing that Headley was working with LeT, Rana facilitated his movements, offered logistical support, and allegedly provided financial assistance. Rana’s immigration firm offered Headley the pretense of business to cover his reconnaissance missions in Mumbai.
Rana was aware of:
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Headley’s meetings and communications
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Attack planning details
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Some of the intended targets
This direct involvement makes him a key conspirator in the 26/11 case.
Legal Status: Judicial Custody Extended
Currently, Tahawwur Rana is in NIA judicial custody. A Delhi court recently extended his custody till July 9, 2025. The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is also preparing to take him into custody for further questioning and legal action.
Previously, Rana was held in Los Angeles detention center after being convicted in the U.S. for supporting terrorism. On April 10, 2025, he was extradited to India from the U.S. on a special chartered flight following years of legal and diplomatic efforts.
Special Permission to Speak With Family
In a recent development, a Delhi court permitted Rana to speak to his family, under strict monitoring. He will be allowed a single phone call in the presence of Tihar Jail officials, highlighting the level of scrutiny being maintained due to the sensitivity of the case.
The 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks: A Brief Recap
The 26/11 attacks, which began on November 26, 2008, involved 10 heavily armed terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba, who landed in Mumbai via sea routes. They carried out 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks over four days at key locations including:
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Taj Mahal Hotel
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Oberoi Trident Hotel
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
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Leopold Café
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Nariman House (Jewish center)
The terror carnage lasted until November 29, 2008, resulting in:
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175 deaths (including 9 attackers)
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Over 300 injured
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A global outcry against terrorism and a severe dent in Indo-Pak relations
The recent confession by Tahawwur Rana could prove to be a critical breakthrough in India’s long-standing fight for justice for the 26/11 victims. His acknowledgement of ISI’s role, direct involvement in terror planning, and operational support to LeT and Headley solidifies claims India has presented on global platforms for over a decade.
As India moves forward with legal proceedings, this case also underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling cross-border terrorism. The extradition, interrogation, and eventual prosecution of Rana is a major milestone in India’s global counter-terrorism efforts.
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