A Delhi court has granted Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, permission to speak with his family via telephone. The order, issued on Monday, June 9, 2025, stipulates that the phone call will be conducted under the strict supervision of a senior official from Tihar Jail, in accordance with jail regulations. The court has also requested a health report regarding Rana's well-being from the Tihar Jail authorities and has asked authorities to clarify their stance on allowing Rana regular phone calls.
This decision comes after Rana had previously filed a plea seeking permission to communicate with his family while in judicial custody. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had earlier opposed a similar request when Rana was in their custody, citing concerns that it could lead to the leakage of sensitive information that might jeopardize the ongoing investigation into the Mumbai terror attacks. Rana's legal counsel, Advocate Piyush Sachdeva, argued that as a foreign national, Rana has a fundamental right to maintain communication with his family, who are concerned about his well-being during his detention.
Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman, is accused of playing a crucial role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were orchestrated by the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba. The attacks, which lasted for three days, resulted in the deaths of 166 people and left hundreds injured. Rana's alleged involvement includes aiding David Coleman Headley, a co-conspirator, in scouting locations for the attacks under the cover of an immigration services business.
Rana's extradition to India from the United States followed a protracted legal battle, with his final appeal being rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court. Upon his arrival in India, he was taken into NIA custody for interrogation, with the agency seeking to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy behind the attacks. The NIA believes that Rana possesses vital information about Lashkar-e-Taiba and its future plans. During the investigation, the NIA has collected voice and handwriting samples from Rana to assess his suspected links to the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks. He faces serious charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including conspiracy, terrorism, forgery, and waging war against the country.
The appointment of a high-profile legal team, led by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, underscores the significance of the case. The legal team also includes Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan, and Advocate Narender Nawa.
While this single phone call has been approved, the question of whether Rana will be granted regular access to phone communication with his family remains open, pending further deliberation by the court and clarification from the jail authorities. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for June 4, where the court will consider the responses from the NIA and Tihar Jail authorities before making a final decision.
