Leaders of NIA’s Tahawwur Rana Case: Jaya Roy and Ashish Batra

Jaya Roy and Ashish Batra lead the NIA investigation into Tahawwur Rana, the alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Both officers played a key role in his extradition from the US and have extensive backgrounds in law enforcement, with notable achievements in cybercrime and anti-insurgency operations. Rana is currently in NIA custody following his return to India.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently led by senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officials Jaya Roy and Ashish Batra in the investigation of Tahawwur Rana, the alleged mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. They played a critical role in his extradition from the US, where he had been detained for over a decade. Now, they oversee a 12-member NIA team stationed in Delhi to further investigate his case.

IPS officer Jaya Roy, born on April 22, 1979, in West Bengal, is a graduate of the 2011 batch of the Indian Police Service from the Jharkhand cadre. Prior to her NIA involvement, Roy was recognized for her efforts against cybercrime in Jamtara, an experience that inspired a Netflix series released in 2020. Roy has been serving as the NIA’s deputy inspector general (DIG) since her appointment in 2019, following her rise from superintendent of police.

Ashish Batra is the second leader of the NIA team investigating Rana’s case. A 1997 batch IPS officer, he is also from the Jharkhand cadre and currently holds the position of inspector general (IG) within the NIA. Before this role, Batra led the Jaguar anti-insurgency unit in Jharkhand. His tenure with the NIA began in 2019 and has since been extended due to his notable service contributions.

Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian physician, has been identified as a key conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai attacks that resulted in 166 deaths and close to 400 injuries. He allegedly assisted David Coleman Headley, another mastermind, in reconnaissance for the attacks, using his travel firm as a façade for Headley’s movements. Rana arrived in Delhi on a special flight and was placed under an 18-day custody order by a special NIA court shortly after landing.

The NIA investigation into Tahawwur Rana’s involvement in the Mumbai terror attacks is being spearheaded by experienced officers Jaya Roy and Ashish Batra. Their roles were pivotal in Rana’s extradition from the US, and they now lead a well-equipped team to ensure thorough examination of the case. Both officers have notable backgrounds in law enforcement and have gained recognition for their contributions in their respective fields.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com