A National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on Monday extended the custody of 26/11 terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana for 12 days, ANI reported. Rana was produced before special NIA judge Chander Jit Singh on expiry of his 18-day NIA custody amid tight security. 

"The accused has been sent into custody for 12 more days. NIA wants to confront him with more evidence. NIA said they need more time," Rana's lawyer said.

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The court has instructed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to carry out a medical examination of Rana every 24 hours. Additionally, it has granted him the right to meet with his lawyer every other day. The court also imposed conditions, directing Rana to use only a “soft-tip pen” during such meetings. Furthermore, these meetings must occur in the presence of NIA officials, who should remain at a distance where they cannot overhear the conversation.

As per the Mumbai Police, Rana evaded questions and did not cooperate during his eight-hour questioning session on Wednesday.

Earlier, the Patiala House Court of Delhi dismissed a plea filed by Tahawwur Rana, seeking permission to speak with his family over the phone. Rana's legal counsel, Piyush Sachdeva, had argued that as a foreign national, he has the fundamental right to communicate with his family, who are anxious about his treatment while in custody.

However, the NIA opposed the request, citing the ongoing investigation and expressing concerns that Rana might divulge sensitive information.

Rana faces multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including conspiracy, terrorism, forgery, and waging war. The court noted that under extradition laws, he can only be prosecuted for offences explicitly sanctioned in the extradition agreement.

Furthermore, since Sections 16 and 18 of the UAPA apply, extended police custody beyond standard Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) limitations may be permitted due to the terrorism-related nature of the case. 

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Rana, a close associate of David Coleman Headley, the main conspirator behind the 26/11 attacks, was brought to India after the US Supreme Court denied his review plea on April 4, which was against his extradition to India. (With ANI inputs)