Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key figure under interrogation by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has reportedly revealed shocking details about his continued involvement with terrorist organizations even after his departure from the Pakistan Army. According to sources from the NIA, Rana admitted to investigators that, although he had officially left the Pakistan Army’s medical corps, he continued to wear his military uniform during meetings with operatives of the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and individuals associated with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This information is likely to intensify scrutiny over Rana’s role in facilitating and supporting the planning of the devastating 26/11 attacks that killed over 170 people in Mumbai.

Background and Early Life

Rana, originally from the village of Chichawatni in Pakistan’s Punjab province, hails from a relatively humble background. His father worked as a school principal, and Rana is one of three brothers. While one of his brothers is a psychiatrist in the Pakistani Army, another works as a journalist. Rana himself was educated at Cadet College Hasanabdal, an institution known for producing high-ranking officers in the Pakistani military. It was here that he met David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani-American who would later play a pivotal role in the planning and execution of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Headley, who went by the name Dawood Sayed Gilani at the time, is currently serving a prison sentence in the United States for his involvement in the attacks.

Rana’s Transition to Canada

In 1997, Rana moved to Canada with his wife, Samraz Rana Akhtar, who is a practicing physician. Once in Canada, Rana began his professional life by starting an immigration consultancy business. Over time, he expanded into the halal meat industry. However, what appeared to be a legitimate business venture soon turned out to be a cover for illegal activities. The immigration consultancy that Rana ran was allegedly used as a front for facilitating terrorism-related activities. Headley, his old associate, is believed to have posed as a consultant at Rana’s business, further embedding Rana in a network of terror-related activities.

Despite his civilian life in Canada, Rana’s involvement in terrorism did not cease. According to NIA sources, Rana regularly visited terrorist training camps in Pakistan after leaving the military. What makes this even more troubling is that he maintained his association with these groups by continuing to wear his military uniform during these visits. This not only suggested his ongoing ties with groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba but also signaled that Rana was likely using his medical background and military connections to contribute to the logistics and operational planning of terrorist activities.

Connection to Lashkar-e-Taiba and ISI

Rana’s consistent contact with terrorist organizations, particularly Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which was responsible for the 26/11 attacks, has raised alarm among investigators. LeT, a militant Islamist group based in Pakistan, has long been accused of carrying out high-profile terror attacks in India, and the group’s connections to Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies, including the ISI, are well-documented.

Investigations into Rana’s activities have revealed that his meetings with Lashkar operatives and members of the ISI were frequent and strategic. Rana’s medical expertise and military background would have made him an invaluable asset to these groups, especially in the planning and execution of large-scale attacks. Furthermore, Rana’s ability to maintain his ties with these organizations while operating in Canada speaks to the deep and enduring nature of his involvement in global terror networks.

Role in the 26/11 Attacks

Rana’s connection to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks is central to the ongoing investigation. His associate, Headley, was one of the key conspirators behind the attacks, and Rana is believed to have played a supporting role in facilitating the operation. Although he did not directly participate in the attack, Rana’s actions in aiding the terrorists, including assisting in the reconnaissance of potential targets and providing logistical support, were crucial to the success of the operation.

One of the most disturbing revelations is Rana’s continued communication with Sajid Mir, a notorious Lashkar-e-Taiba operative who is accused of masterminding the siege at Mumbai’s Chabad House, where six hostages were killed. Mir, a designated global terrorist, is one of India’s most wanted fugitives. The NIA sources claim that Rana maintained regular contact with Mir, who was a key handler during the attacks. In fact, Mir was allegedly involved in orchestrating the movements of the terrorists, including coordinating their attack on various high-profile targets in Mumbai, such as the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, and Chabad House.

Efforts to Capture Sajid Mir

Sajid Mir’s role in the 26/11 attacks has not gone unnoticed internationally. The United States has placed a $5 million bounty on Mir’s head, offering a substantial reward for information that could lead to his capture. Despite his status as a globally wanted terrorist, Mir has managed to evade capture for years, likely due to his continued protection and support from Pakistan’s intelligence and military establishments. However, in 2022, India provided the United Nations with an audio recording that allegedly featured Mir coordinating with the attackers during the siege at Chabad House. The recording, which is seen as a significant piece of evidence, has brought renewed attention to Mir’s role in the attacks and has intensified efforts to track him down.

Rana’s Current Status and Legal Proceedings

Tahawwur Rana is currently under investigation by the NIA, and his interrogation is expected to shed more light on the specifics of his involvement in the planning of the 26/11 attacks. The revelations about his continued ties with Lashkar-e-Taiba, ISI, and other terror networks have raised serious concerns about the extent of his operations and the level of complicity within these organizations. Rana’s military background, combined with his civilian business ventures, allowed him to operate with relative impunity, making him a key player in the global terror network.

Rana’s case also highlights the broader issue of the persistent links between Pakistan’s military, intelligence agencies, and terrorist organizations. While Pakistan has officially denied any state sponsorship of terrorism, the ongoing investigations into individuals like Rana and Sajid Mir suggest that these ties remain entrenched, making efforts to combat terrorism in the region even more difficult.

Conclusion

Tahawwur Rana’s involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, as well as his continued connections with Lashkar-e-Taiba and the ISI, paints a grim picture of the ongoing challenges in the fight against global terrorism. Despite leaving the Pakistani Army, Rana maintained his allegiance to terrorist groups and used his military and medical expertise to further their causes. As the investigation into his role continues, it is hoped that his testimony will provide critical insights into the larger network of individuals and organizations responsible for the attacks, while also shedding light on the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan’s military establishment and terror outfits.