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“Abused Me, Pointed a Gun at Me,” Says 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack Eyewitness Chhotu Chaiwala on Thawwur Rana Extradition

By Lokmat English Desk | Updated: April 10, 2025 16:39 IST

The major accused of the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack, Tahawwur Rana, has now landed in Mumbai and is arrested ...

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The major accused of the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack, Tahawwur Rana, has now landed in Mumbai and is arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). On his extradition, an eyewitness to the attack, Mohammed Taufiq, a tea seller known as Chhotu Chaiwala, sharing the horrific incident that he witnessed 17 years ago, said that he was abused, and nobody (Rana) has the right to kill anyone.

Speaking with news agency ANI, he said, “I had never seen anything like that even in films or on TV...I saw a man of a height similar to mine, carrying a bag and a gun, walking towards me. He abused me and pointed a gun at me. Only then did I realise that the man was a terrorist. I called up the Police helpline number, I also called up my home...I am a Muslim, he (Rana) too is a Muslim...Nobody has the right to kill anyone...We have not done anything to Pakistan...If you protect terrorists, you will suffer. That is what is happening there. Blasts are occurring there. They are harbouring terrorists and dons.”

Taking to X, the official handle of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), posted, “In New India, there is no mercy for terrorists. Anyone who dares to harm or threaten India will be dealt with an iron fist.” The post further mentioned, “Big diplomatic win for India. 26/11 Mastermind Tahawwur Rana extradited to India. No Mercy for terrorists in New India.”

Also Read: Tahawwur Rana Extradition: “No Mercy for Terrorists in New India,” Posts BJP on Social Media

After being turned over to Indian officials in Los Angeles, his name was struck from the custody records of the US Federal Bureau of Prisons, and his status was changed to "Not in BOP custody as of 04/08/2025." The handover was organised by a committed Indian team that included representatives from spy agencies based in the US and the National Investigation Agency. Before the team left for Delhi on April 9, DIG (NIA) Jaya Roy approved the surrender warrant. It is anticipated that Rana will be housed at Tihar Jail under strict security. A multi-agency team consisting of NIA officials, criminology-focused psychologists, and investigators from two intelligence organisations will question him.

Tags: Tahawwur Hussain RanaTahawwur rana26/11 mastermind Tahawwur Rana26/11 attacksNarendra ModibjpChai waaleChaiwaliMumbai News
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