14x14 feet cell, round-the-clock guards: How 26/11 attack accused Tahawwur Rana is being held in NIA custody

Tahawwur Hussain Rana was extradited to India from the US on Thursday evening.

26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana was extradited to India from the US on Thursday evening and was sent to 18-day National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody. His interrogation is now underway.

Rana is being held in a 14x14 cell, equipped with CCTV cameras, a bed and toilet. His cell is located on the ground floor of the NIA headquarters at the CGO complex. Multiple layers of digital security has been placed, as well as a retinue of 24-hour guards. Only 12 NIA officials are allowed to enter this cell, according to sources, as reported by NDTV.

All basic needs - meals, drinking water, medical provisions - will be delivered to him inside the cell. Additional Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed outside the complex.

Rana will be asked questions related to personal and family background, 26/11 Mumbai attacks, alleged links with Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Pakistani intelligence agency.

His interrogation will be conducted under dual camera surveillance. Breaks will be provided, but otherwise, his schedule will be regimented, his responses recorded, NDTV reported.

64-year-old Pakistani-origin Canadian national, Tahawwur Rana, landed in Delhi on Thursday aboard an extradition flight from the United States. Hours later, he was produced before a special NIA court at Patiala House. The courtroom was cleared of all non-essential personnel. Judge Chander Jit Singh, presiding over the special NIA bench, granted the agency 18 days' custody, slightly short of the 20 requested.

Appearing without legal counsel, Rana was informed by the judge that he would be provided legal aid through the Delhi Legal Services Authority. Advocate Piyush Sachdeva was subsequently appointed to represent him.

Mumbai terror attack

On November 26, 2008, a group of 10 Pakistani terrorists carried a coordinated attack on a railway station, two luxury hotels and a Jewish centre, killing 166 people. The assault lasted nearly 60-hour.

Tahawwur Rana's role in the Mumbai attack was confirmed by David Coleman Headley, his childhood friend and a key accused in the case.