NIA Intensifies Probe as Tahawwur Rana Seeks Legal Clarity Amid Fear of Death Penalty

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its interrogation of Tahawwur Rana, believed to be one of the key conspirators behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Sources within the agency have revealed that Rana, while cooperating with investigators, appears visibly anxious and fearful of facing the death penalty, similar to Azmal Kasab, the lone surviving attacker from the 26/11 plot who was executed in 2012.

According to officials, Rana has been persistently inquiring about Indian laws and the judicial process, apparently gripped by the fear of being sentenced to death. A court-appointed lawyer has met with Rana to explain the charges filed against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), as mandated by legal procedure. Sources say Rana is now actively seeking detailed information about the legal sections invoked in his case, the trial process, and potential timelines.

The NIA is currently in the early stages of questioning Rana. It remains unclear whether he will be transferred out of Delhi for further investigation.

Meanwhile, a significant new development has emerged in the ongoing probe. As per NIA Sources, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks were initially planned for April or May 2008 but were postponed due to unfavorable maritime conditions in the Arabian Sea. Its revealed that the high sea waves during that period made it impossible for the attackers to reach Mumbai via the sea route, forcing the conspirators to delay the operation.

Sources claim that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), along with terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba and Rana, were monitoring sea conditions before finalizing the date for the attacks. David Headley, another key accused who turned approver, reportedly informed Rana about the postponement and shared operational details. The U.S. investigative agency has submitted a report to the NIA confirming that Headley and Rana had met in Chicago in May 2008, where Headley disclosed that the Taj Hotel would be a primary target​