Security was ramped up at various locations in the national capital, including Palam Technical Airport, CGO complex and Patiala House Court Complex following the arrival of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks accused Tahawwur Rana from the United States. Security started beefing up at the airport from 10 am with a Delhi Police van entering the premises and two to three PCR vans starting to circle the road outside.
The CGO complex area, which houses several government offices, outside the NIA headquarters was abuzz with activity on Thursday evening as mediapersons made a beeline to report on the extradition of key Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana from the US amid tight security. The roads outside and around the National Investigation Agency (NIA) office wore a deserted look, as security personnel cordoned off the entire area and restricted any kind of vehicular movement.Entry and exit from Gate No. 2 of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Metro station near the NIA office was also barred.
There was a strong presence of Delhi Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in the area to keep any untoward incident at bay. A dog squad carried out a thorough check of the NIA premises soon after a special aircraft carrying Rana landed in Delhi on Thursday evening.Television journalists were present in large numbers in the area, reporting “Live” amid tight security, despite Thursday being a Central government holiday on account of Mahavir Jayanti .
Teams of National Security Guard (NSG) and NIA, comprising senior officials, escorted Rana to Delhi on a special aircraft from Los Angeles. Ahead of the production of 26/11 Mumbai attacks alleged mastermind Tahawwur Hussain Rana before Patiala House courts in the national capital, Delhi Police removed mediapersons and members of the public from the court premises, citing security concerns. While asking the mediapersons to leave, police said it was ensuring that the court premises was fully vacant.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Mahla along with the local police was present at the spot to ensure that necessary security arrangements are present at the court where Rana will be produced, he said. Personnel from paramilitary forces and CISF have been deployed outside the court and a thorough physical frisking and checking of visitors is being carried out to avoid any untoward incident, he added.
Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Metro Station’s gate number 2 has been closed and public movement around the area has been restricted as part of precautionary measures. A Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) spokesperson said, “Gate No. 2 of the JLN Metro Station, the one closest to the NIA building, will remain closed as a precaution.” The gate will remain closed till further orders from the Delhi Police, he also said. However, metro train services will continue as usual and all other entry and exit points at the station will remain open for commuters, the spokesperson added. Meanwhile, Tihar Jail officials said all preparations have been made to lodge Rana in a high-security prison ward and they were waiting for court orders.He is likely to be lodged in Tihar jail when he reaches India.
The New Delhi Bar Association has assured a fair and transparent trial, without any disturbance, Rana.The bar association assured no disruption in the law and order situation within the complex or interference in the judicial proceedings during Rana’s production in the court.
“Our bar association will ensure there isn’t any disruption of law and order within the complex or disturbance in the judicial proceedings as we are cautious of the seriousness and gravity of the case,” New Delhi Bar Association secretary Tarun Rana said.
Tarun Rana said the issue was “directly involved with the integrity of our country.” “Hence as the office bearers of New Delhi Bar Association, our executive committee is committed to ensure fair and transparent proceedings, abiding the law of our country,” he added.
