NIA Hunts Invisible Dubai Hand Who Met Tahawwur Rana Before 26/11 Mumbai Attacks: Report
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The NIA, according to reports, are questioning Tahawwur Rana about a man who he met in Dubai before the 26/11 Mumbai attacks unfolded.
The NIA are trying to figure out whether the Dubai connection of Tahawwur Rana, whom he met before the Mumbai attacks, was connected to the Pakistani army, deep state or Pakistan-based terror groups. (IMAGE: SOURCED)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) are on the lookout for a man who met one of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Tahawwur Rana in Dubai. NIA is interrogating Rana, who was extradited from the US earlier this week, and told broadcaster NDTV that this man who met key accused Rana in Dubai also knew of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
The 64-year-old Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman who is closely related to convicted 26/11 plotter David Coleman Headley is currently under high-security NIA custody in New Delhi. The NIA told the broadcaster that the interrogation will finally unveil the “Dubai connection” to the terror attacks that shook India and the world.
They are also trying to find out whether “Dubai connection” was connected to the Pakistani Army, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan’s military intelligence agency, a senior figure within the Pakistani Army or a leader of a designated terror group operating from Pakistan.
According to records shared by US agencies with Indian authorities, the man Rana met in Dubai had prior knowledge of the 26/11 plot. The NIA has confirmed it is investigating his identity and role in the conspiracy.
Sources said Headley, also known as Daood Gilani, had warned Rana in 2008 against travelling to India, hinting at an imminent terror strike. He is believed to have arranged a meeting between Rana and a co-conspirator in Dubai who confirmed the attack was about to take place.
The NIA believes Rana may have named this individual during earlier questioning by US agencies. Those classified reports are now with Indian authorities.
What makes the probe more complex is that even top counter-terror officials are in the dark about the man’s identity, NDTV reported.
Another angle under investigation is the role of Rana’s immigration consultancy office in Mumbai, which he operated with Headley, the NIA told the broadcaster.
The two did not renew the office lease in November 2008, just before the attacks.
According to the NIA, the office was allegedly used as a front by Headley to scout high-profile targets in the city, including luxury hotels and public spots.
Back in 2005, Headley had reportedly told Rana about Lashkar-e-Taiba’s plan to send him to India for surveillance. He suggested using Rana’s firm as a cover, with himself posing as a business consultant.
With his American passport and western appearance, Headley was able to move around freely, record videos of targets and send them to his handlers in Pakistan.