NIA Gets Court Nod To Collect Voice, Handwriting Samples Of 26/11 Accused Tahawwur Rana

A Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court has given the nod to the agency to take voice and handwriting samples of Tahawwur Rana, the suspected co-conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana, who was extradited recently from America, is in NIA custody.

Special NIA Judge Chander Jit Singh sanctioned the agency's plea on Wednesday, a major breakthrough in the continuing probe into the fatal 26/11 attacks that killed more than 170 people.

Earlier this week, the court had also extended Rana's custody with the NIA by another 12 days to allow for further questioning. At the hearing, the NIA informed the court that Rana had been presented with a "voluminous" amount of records and evidence related to the attacks but was being obstructive while being questioned. The agency contended that custodial interrogation was necessary to elicit important information regarding his supposed role.