‘Rana’s role in 26/11 well beyond Logistical Support’

Fresh details point to Rana’s deeper ties with Lashkar-E-Toiba and Pakistani military officers, reveals ex-NIA Special DG Atulchandra Kulkarni

Mumbai: Tahawwur Rana’s role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks went far beyond logistical support, with fresh revelations shedding light on his deep involvement in the planning and execution of the strike.

Atulchandra Kulkarni, Former Special Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has revealed that Rana’s connections with Pakistan’s military and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) were crucial in facilitating the attacks.

Speaking exclusively to The Perfect Voice, Kulkarni disclosed that Rana was actively involved in coordinating with David Headley, the mastermind behind the terror strike.

A former IPS officer Kulkarni was closely involved in the investigation. He revealed that Rana was deeply connected to Pakistan’s military establishment and had maintained direct ties with high-ranking officials of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

His assistance in scouting locations and providing crucial intelligence on Indian targets was pivotal. Rana’s direct links to senior Pakistani military officials, including Major Samir Ali and Lt. Colonel Hamza, ensured the operational success of the attack, which took place on November 26, 2008 and led to the killing of 166 people over four days.

Kulkarni further emphasized the importance of Rana’s extradition to India, describing it as a significant step toward uncovering Pakistan's role in the attacks. Despite years of denials from Pakistan, Kulkarni underscored that Rana’s return to face trial would help expose the full extent of Pakistan’s involvement.

The NIA, according to Kulkarni, remains committed to investigating the conspiracy, with hopes that continued interrogations will bring to light even more details about the broader network responsible for the attack. The pursuit of justice for the victims of 26/11 remains a critical priority for the agency.