New Delhi, July 25 (H.S.): Delhi’s Patiala House Court has instructed Tihar Jail authorities to respond to a request from Tahawwur Hussain Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, who seeks permission for a phone call to his family. Special Judge Chander Jit Singh issued a notice to the jail superintendent, scheduling the next hearing for August 1. Rana, currently in judicial custody following an NIA interrogation, had been granted a single supervised call under jail regulations earlier in June. His custody has since been extended until August 13, amid claims of non-cooperation during questioning.

Rana, extradited from the United States on April 10, had made significant claims to the Mumbai Crime Branch regarding his alleged connections with the Pakistan Army and his involvement during the 2008 attacks. He reportedly provided operative David Headley with critical materials that aided in the planning and execution of the attacks leading to the deaths of 166 individuals.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is coordinating plans to transport Rana to Mumbai and other sites for reenactments of events preceding the terror strikes. The agency previously collected voice and handwriting samples from him, emphasizing the need for extended custody due to his evasive responses. This high-profile case continues to unfold as legal proceedings and investigations are ongoing.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar