‘Rana, anti-Indian and jihadi; NIA will uncover deeper truths’: Lokanath Behera

KOCHI: Lokanath Behera, former Kerala Police Chief, stated that David Coleman Headley, who is currently imprisoned in the US, disclosed Tahawwur Rana's involvement in the Mumbai terror attacks and other terrorist activities in India. Headley described Rana as having a jihadi mindset and being strongly anti-India. Behra, who was a member of the NIA team that travelled to the US to question David Coleman Headley, an American citizen and a key conspirator in the attack, disclosed these details.

According to Headley, Rana gathered information and created the necessary conditions for the Mumbai attacks. Headley also admitted his own role in the blasts, the involvement of others, and Pakistan’s support for terrorist activities in India. He was interrogated for 35-40 hours over eight days. However, Headley refused to discuss Rana's global transactions or other terrorist activities, focusing only on Rana's role in the Mumbai attacks.

Rana played a significant role in enabling the attacks. He opened an office in Mumbai, stayed there to collect information, provided accommodation for the attackers, and arranged the required funds. Headley met Rana several times during this period.

Behra emphasised that Rana's role in the Mumbai attacks and other terror activities will become clearer once the NIA interrogates him. He highlighted the importance of getting Rana into custody, calling it a major achievement. The conspiracies behind the Mumbai attacks and Rana's connections to terrorism in India remain unclear. The NIA had previously filed a chargesheet against Rana, citing his role in facilitating the attacks.