Rana's case requires extraordinary measures due to its international implications: Kiran Bedi

New Delhi, April 11: Citing international implications, former Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi on Thursday stressed that Tahawwur Rana's case requires extraordinary measures, suggesting precautions like high-surveillance confinement and inter-agency monitoring. The 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused arrived in India on Thursday following his extradition from the US.

Kiren Bedi also called for key safety measures to be included while transporting and prosecuting such a globally high-profile terrorist suspect.

Speaking with ANI, Kiren Bedi said, "Tihar jail has previously housed hardened criminals, separatists and terrorists. However, Rana's case requires extraordinary measures due to its international implications. I would suggest the following precautions must be considered at all costs...solitary, high-surveillance confinement, inter-agency monitoring...if possible, AI-assisted surveillance. Also, while transporting and prosecuting such a globally high-profile terrorist suspect like this, very key safety measures should be included. The following could be armed convoys with decoys, virtual trials, staff background checks and courtroom fortification..."

"India's prison infrastructure needs modernization to meet global standards...With the right upgrades and intelligence, it is essential to establish a coordinated system of legal safeguards, technological infrastructure, and strategic foresight," she added.

Meanwhile, a Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on Friday sent Tahawwur Rana, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused, to 18-day of custody of the NIA.

The 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana on Thursday arrived in India following his extradition by the United States.

Earlier on Thursday evening, Tahawwur Rana was produced before the Special NIA Court.

The anti-terror agency has presented compelling evidence, including emails sent by 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana, to justify his police custody. The agency informed the court that custodial interrogation is crucial to uncovering the sinister plot. Investigators will also examine Rana's role in orchestrating the deadly terror attacks.

NIA further states that, as part of the criminal conspiracy, accused No. 1, David Coleman Headley, had discussed the entire operation with Tahawwur Rana before his visit to India. Anticipating potential challenges, Headley sent an email to Rana detailing his belongings and assets. He also informed Rana about the involvement of Ilyas Kashmiri and Abdur Rehman in the plot.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said on Thursday that it has successfully secured the extradition of Rana, the mastermind of the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem to justice.

According to the NIA, Rana was being held in judicial custody in the US pursuant to proceedings initiated under the India-US Extradition Treaty for his extradition. The extradition finally came through after Rana exhausted all legal avenues to stay the move.

"Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley @ Daood Gilani, and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the devastating terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008. A total of 166 persons were killed and over 238 injured in the deadly attacks. Both LeT and HUJI have been declared as terrorist organisations by the Government of India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967," the NIA said.

Reader Comments

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Priya K.

Finally some justice being served! It's been 15 years since those horrific attacks. Glad to see authorities taking extra precautions with this case. The victims' families deserve closure. 🙏

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Rahul S.

Kiran Bedi makes excellent points about prison modernization. Our security infrastructure needs to keep pace with global standards, especially for high-profile cases like this.

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Ananya M.

While I agree with the security measures, I hope this doesn't become a media circus. The focus should be on proper judicial process, not sensationalism. The trial needs to be fair and transparent.

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Sanjay V.

Respectfully disagree with some of Bedi's suggestions. AI surveillance sounds good on paper but implementation would be challenging. We should focus on strengthening human intelligence first. The budget could be better spent elsewhere.

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Neha P.

This case shows how international cooperation can work when there's political will. Kudos to all agencies involved in making this extradition happen after so many years! 🇮🇳

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Vikram D.

The 26/11 attacks were a dark chapter in our history. Hope this trial brings out all the facts and serves as a deterrent to anyone planning such atrocities in future.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.