Mumbai (National Times): Tahawwur Rana, one of the key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has denied any involvement in the horrific assault during his interrogation by the Mumbai Crime Branch, according to sources familiar with the probe. Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian national currently in India following his extradition from the United States, reportedly shifted the blame to his longtime friend and co-accused, David Coleman Headley.
During questioning, Rana claimed he had “no links whatsoever” to the deadly 26/11 attacks that killed over 160 people and injured hundreds across Mumbai. Instead, he accused Headley — a U.S. national who is currently serving a 35-year sentence in the US of masterminding the operation independently. The two were childhood friends and had maintained contact well into adulthood.
Rana further disclosed that he had visited Delhi, Mumbai, and Kerala during his travels to India prior to the attack. He stated that his trip to Kerala was purely personal and meant to meet acquaintances. According to officials, Rana has submitted names and addresses of those he allegedly visited in the southern state.
In light of these statements, a Mumbai Crime Branch team is expected to travel to Kerala in the coming days to verify Rana’s claims and conduct ground-level inquiries. His links, if any, to operatives or locations relevant to the planning of the 26/11 attacks will also be thoroughly investigated.
Rana’s extradition to India earlier this month was a major diplomatic development. Indian authorities had been pursuing his handover for years, alleging that he was a key figure in facilitating David Headley’s reconnaissance missions in Mumbai prior to the attacks.
As the probe deepens, officials say that more rounds of questioning are likely, and Rana’s statements will be cross-verified with intelligence inputs and previous case files related to the 26/11 investigation.
