April 11, 2025 — Washington, D.C. — As authorities prepare to interrogate Tahawwur Rana, the Pakistani-Canadian businessman facing extradition to India over his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, investigators are focusing on a set of critical questions that could shed light on his involvement.
Sources familiar with the case say interrogators are expected to press Rana on his alleged links to Lashkar-e-Taiba, the terror group blamed for orchestrating the deadly attacks. Officials are particularly interested in his connections with David Coleman Headley, a confessed operative who scouted targets in Mumbai under Rana’s cover.
Among the key areas of focus:
- His Relationship with Headley: Investigators are likely to probe the extent of Rana’s knowledge about Headley’s activities and whether he provided material support.
- Use of His Immigration Business: Questions are expected about whether Rana’s Chicago-based immigration firm was used as a front to facilitate Headley’s reconnaissance missions in India.
- Communications with Terror Groups: Authorities will seek clarity on any direct or indirect communication Rana may have had with Lashkar-e-Taiba leaders.
- Awareness of Attack Plans: Interrogators aim to determine how much Rana knew about the planning and execution of the Mumbai attacks.
Legal experts say the interrogation will be crucial in building the case against Rana and determining the next steps in the high-profile extradition battle.
Rana has consistently denied wrongdoing, claiming that he was unaware of any terrorist plot. His legal team argues that the charges are politically motivated and have challenged the extradition request in U.S. courts.
As the case unfolds, both Indian and American authorities are under pressure to deliver answers in a case that continues to stir emotions more than a decade after the horrific attacks.