Meet Jaya Roy and Ashish Batra: The IPS Officers Leading the NIA’s Probe Into Tahawwur Rana, the 26/11 Terror Accused

As the National Investigation Agency (NIA) intensifies its probe into Tahawwur Rana’s alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, two experienced Indian Police Service (IPS) officers—Jaya Roy and Ashish Batra—are at the helm of the investigation. Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian businessman, is believed to have played a pivotal role in facilitating the deadly attacks that left over 160 people dead and hundreds injured. Now in NIA custody in Delhi, he faces one of the most high-profile terror investigations in recent Indian history.

Jaya Roy and Ashish Batra are not only leading the NIA’s 12-member team probing Rana’s involvement but were also instrumental in securing his extradition from the United States—more than 15 years after he was arrested in Chicago in an unrelated case. Their efforts mark a significant milestone in the 26/11 case, as Rana’s questioning could provide further insight into the network that supported Ajmal Kasab and the other Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists who carried out the attacks.

Who Is Jaya Roy?

Jaya Roy, a 2011 batch IPS officer of the Jharkhand cadre, currently serves as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) with the NIA. Born on April 22, 1979, in West Bengal, Roy has an unconventional background for a police officer. Before joining the Indian Police Service, she earned an MBBS degree and trained as a medical doctor. However, her passion for public service led her to clear the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2011, and she opted for a career in law enforcement.

Roy began her policing career in Jharkhand, where she quickly established a reputation for being an incisive investigator and hands-on officer. Her most notable early achievement came when she led a crackdown on cybercrime networks operating out of the district of Jamtara, which had gained notoriety for being a hotspot of online scams and phishing frauds. The scale and audacity of the cybercriminal operations uncovered by Roy’s team not only drew national headlines but also served as the inspiration for the popular Netflix web series Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega.

Her success in Jharkhand earned her postings in several central agencies, including the NIA, where she now plays a critical role in high-level terror investigations. Known for her methodical and evidence-based approach, Roy brings both intellect and intuition to the table, making her an invaluable asset in a case as complex and historically significant as this one.

Who Is Ashish Batra?

Ashish Batra, the other senior IPS officer co-leading the case, is also a seasoned investigator with deep expertise in counter-terrorism and national security. Currently serving in a senior role at the NIA, Batra has been associated with several major anti-terror operations over the years. While not as publicly visible as Roy, he is widely respected within law enforcement circles for his strategic insight and ability to coordinate complex investigations that span multiple jurisdictions.

Batra played a crucial role in coordinating legal and diplomatic efforts involved in Rana’s extradition process. Given the sensitivity of the case and the international legal frameworks involved, Batra’s work was instrumental in bringing Rana back to India after over a decade and a half since his arrest in the U.S.

Together, Roy and Batra now lead a carefully selected 12-member team of investigators, analysts, and technical experts, all tasked with unearthing new evidence, re-examining existing leads, and connecting any remaining dots in the 26/11 conspiracy. Their mission is not just to establish Rana’s culpability but to build a legally sound, irrefutable case that could hold up in court and help deliver justice for the victims of one of India’s darkest days.

Why This Case Matters

The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks were not only a tragedy of immense proportions but also a wake-up call for India’s national security and intelligence systems. In the years since, multiple arrests have been made, but key players like Tahawwur Rana remained elusive due to international legal hurdles. His return to Indian soil marks a crucial chapter in the pursuit of justice, and with trusted officers like Jaya Roy and Ashish Batra leading the investigation, the NIA is expected to push hard for conclusive answers.

While the world watches closely, the duo’s leadership symbolizes the evolving face of Indian law enforcement—tech-savvy, strategic, and unafraid to take on long-standing challenges. Whether it’s tracking down cybercriminals in rural Jharkhand or navigating international legal channels to bring a 26/11 accused back to India, Roy and Batra represent a new era of investigative excellence.

As the case unfolds, all eyes will remain on how this team, under their command, navigates one of India’s most important terrorism trials in recent memory.