NEW DELHI– A Delhi court is expected to deliver its verdict today on a plea filed by Tahawwur Rana, one of the accused masterminds behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, seeking permission to speak with his family over the phone to discuss the possibility of changing his legal counsel.
The Patiala House Court had reserved its decision on Tuesday, August 5, after hearing arguments during in-camera proceedings.
Rana, currently held in judicial custody at Tihar Jail, requested a one-time phone call to consult his family before deciding whether to replace his court-appointed legal aid counsel. His custody has been extended until August 13.
Tihar Jail authorities opposed the request, citing serious security concerns. In a response submitted to the Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court, prison officials reiterated that allowing phone access to Rana poses risks and should not be permitted under the current circumstances.
The court had directed jail authorities to formally clarify their position on the matter, prompting the latest written response.
This isn’t the first time Rana has sought such permission. He was previously granted approval for a one-time call under similar circumstances. However, officials have remained firm in their opposition to granting him regular telephonic privileges.
Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, is a close associate of David Coleman Headley (also known as Dawood Gilani), a key conspirator in the 26/11 attacks. He was extradited to India earlier this year after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his review petition on April 4.
Rana is accused of playing a major role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which killed 166 people across several high-profile locations including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Taj and Oberoi hotels, and the Nariman House Jewish center. His case remains one of the most closely watched in India’s ongoing battle against cross-border terrorism. (Source: IANS)
