National Desk
7 June
Sandeep Dhand
Journalist and Research Analysist
A Delhi court on Friday extended the judicial custody of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, until July 9. The order was passed by Special Judge Chanderjit Singh after Rana was presented through video conferencing, as his earlier custody period had come to an end.
During the hearing, the court also asked Tihar Jail authorities to submit a health status report on Rana by June 9. This request was made after Rana’s lawyer raised concerns about his medical condition and overall well-being.
Rana, a close associate of David Coleman Headley (also known as Daood Gilani), who was one of the main conspirators of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, was recently brought to India. His extradition followed the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on April 4, rejecting his petition that challenged the extradition to India.
Rana was earlier in U.S. custody but was handed over to Indian authorities after the completion of the legal process. He has been accused of helping plan and coordinate the terror attack that killed over 160 people in Mumbai.
Last month, after his arrival in India, the court had sent him to judicial custody. His role is being closely examined by Indian investigative agencies as he is believed to have provided crucial support to Headley during the preparation and execution of the attacks.
The court proceedings will continue, and his custody may be extended further depending on the progress of the investigation and his health condition. Authorities are taking all necessary steps to ensure legal and medical procedures are followed during his stay in custody.