Tahawwur Rana wanted Pakistan’s highest honour ‘Nishan-e-Haider’ for Lashkar terrorists, said ‘Indians deserved it’: US
Mumbai Attacks Co-conspirator’s Shocking Request
Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key figure in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been brought back to India. In a stunning revelation, the US Department of Justice stated that Rana wanted Pakistan’s highest gallantry award for the nine Lashkar terrorists killed during the siege.
Intercepted Conversation Reveals Rana’s Sentiments
During interrogations regarding Rana’s involvement in the attacks, the US intercepted a conversation between him and David Coleman Headley (alias Daood Gilani), the primary accused in the Mumbai terror attacks.
According to the US, Rana lauded the nine deceased terrorists during this conversation, advocating for them to receive the ‘Nishan-e-Haider’. This is Pakistan’s highest honor for bravery in battle, typically reserved for fallen soldiers.
The US quoted Rana as explicitly stating, “[t]hey should be given Nishan-e-Haider“.
“Indians Deserved It”
The US Department of Justice statement further alleges that after the horrific attacks, which claimed the lives of 166 people, including six Americans, Rana told Headley that the Indians “deserved it.”
The Horrific 2008 Mumbai Terror Attacks
On November 26-29, 2008, ten terrorists linked to Laskhar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), a designated foreign terrorist organization, infiltrated Mumbai by sea. They unleashed a series of 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks across the city.
Details of the Attacks
The attacks included:
- Firing guns and throwing grenades at a train station
- Shooting people at two restaurants
- Killing people at Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
- Shooting people at a Jewish community center
Beyond the tragic loss of 166 lives, the city of Mumbai suffered over $1.5 billion in property damage.
Of the ten terrorists, nine were killed during the attacks. The sole survivor, Ajmal Kasab, was hanged to death in Pune in 2012.
Rana in NIA Custody
Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian citizen originally from Pakistan, is now in the custody of India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) for 18 days. He was extradited to India on Thursday and immediately presented before a special NIA court.
While the NIA initially sought 20 days of custody, the court granted them 18 days to interrogate Rana.
Photos released by the US show Rana in shackles as he was handed over to Indian officials by US Marshals.
Interrogation to Unravel Rana’s Role
In India, Rana will face intense questioning about his involvement in the 2008 terrorist attacks. He is considered a close associate of Daood Gilani, designated as accused number one in the attacks.