The National Investigation Agency (NIA) told a Delhi court that Tahawwur Rana, a key conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, may have devised similar terror plots targeting multiple Indian cities.

Presenting Rana before Special Judge Chander Jit Singh on April 10, the NIA secured 18 days of custody to unravel the full scope of the conspiracy behind the deadly assaults that killed 166 people and injured over 238.

The NIA argued that Rana’s prolonged interrogation is critical to uncover deeper layers of the plot, suspecting the Mumbai tactics were a blueprint for other cities.

To reconstruct events from 17 years ago, officials plan to escort Rana to key locations for on-site investigations, aiming to map the broader terror network. The agency emphasized the need for detailed questioning to piece together evidence and confirm the extent of Rana’s role.

Judge Singh ordered Rana’s medical examination every 24 hours and permitted lawyer meetings every alternate day, under strict conditions—using only a soft-tip pen and with NIA officials present.

The high-security court hearing saw NIA DIGs, an IG, and five Delhi Police DCPs in attendance, underscoring the case’s gravity. Rana’s custody marks a pivotal moment in India’s pursuit of justice for the 26/11 carnage.