NIA may seek Tahawwur Rana’s voice sample to link him to 26/11 calls

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which currently has Pakistani-Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana in its custody following his extradition, may seek to collect his voice sample to verify call records related to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

By comparing the voice sample with recorded calls, authorities aim to confirm whether Rana was involved in phone conversations giving instructions during the November 2008 attacks that killed 166 people in Mumbai.

Rana’s consent is required for the collection of his voice sample. If he refuses, the NIA can approach the court for permission. In case of refusal, this fact will be included in the chargesheet, which could work against him during trial proceedings.

Once permission is secured, experts from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory will visit the NIA headquarters to collect the sample in a noise-free environment.

Since his extradition from the United States on Thursday, Rana has been kept and questioned at the high-security NIA headquarters located in the CGO Complex in New Delhi. During interrogation, officials are trying to uncover more about a man Rana met in Dubai before the Mumbai attacks and the unexplained non-renewal of a Mumbai office lease registered under Rana’s immigration agency. This office was reportedly used by 26/11 mastermind David Headley as cover while surveying targets, including prominent hotels and public places across Mumbai.

The NIA’s 18-day interrogation is also expected to explore the roles of Pakistani nationals Ilyas Kashmiri and Abdur Rehman in the attacks. Investigators may further question Rana about other key conspirators such as Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and Sajid Majeed Mir.

Rana has spoken to officials about his background in Pakistan, his family, education, immigration to Canada with his wife, and the launch of his immigration and travel agency in Chicago.

According to NIA sources, Rana was “largely uncooperative” on the first day of questioning and provided limited information.

Rana, who previously worked in the Pakistan Army Medical Corps, has told investigators that he cannot recall many details of the events but has confirmed being in Mumbai at least a week before the attacks.

Earlier, in 2010, David Headley, also known as Daood Gilani, was questioned by an NIA team in the US. He was convicted there for his role in the 26/11 attacks.