Delhi court reserves order on 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana's plea to speak with family

NEW DELHI: Delhi Patiala Court on Wednesday reserved its decision on a plea filed by Jailed 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana seeking permission to speak with his family over the phone.
According to news agency ANI, Rana's lawyer argued that, as a foreign national, he has the basic right to speak with his family, who are worried about his condition in custody.
However, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) opposed the request, saying the investigation is still underway and expressing concern that Rana might reveal "sensitive information."
The court is expected to deliver its decision on the matter on Thursday.
The 64-year-old Pakistani-origin Canadian has submitted a plea through his legal representative on April 19 seeking approval to interact with his family members. He was sent to 18 days custody by a court on April 10.
According to the NIA, Rana played a crucial role as a conspirator and close associate of David Coleman Headley, also known as Daood Gilani, the Pakistani-American operative who surveyed locations prior to the attacks.
The agency told the court that Headley discussed the entire operation with Rana before travelling to India.
United States filed charges against Rana and six others in April 2011 for their involvement in the November 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai.
The 26/11 Mumbai attacks left 166 people dead and hundreds injured over a nearly 60-hour siege, marking one of the deadliest terror strikes in India's history.