New Delhi, June 4 (HS): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) opposed a petition for Tahawwur Rana, accused of conspiring the November 26, 2008, Mumbai terrorist attacks, to communicate with his family. In a response filed at Patiala House Court, the NIA argued that permitting such communication could lead to the disclosure of sensitive information. Special Judge Chander Jeet Singh has scheduled the next hearing for June 9, with the Tihar Jail administration ordered to respond by that date. Earlier, the court had issued a notice to Rana on May 28 and rejected his request to speak with family on April 24. Currently in judicial custody, Rana's custody has been extended until June 6. Voice and handwriting samples were collected from him on May 3. He was arrested by NIA upon his arrival at Delhi's Palam Air Force Base from the U.S. Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, is a close associate of David Coleman Headley, the main conspirator behind the attacks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar