Tahawwur Rana Likely to Be Extradited to India Soon; Legal Formalities Underway in the US
Los Angeles/New Delhi – Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, may soon be extradited to India as legal proceedings and paperwork in the United States near completion. A Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, the 64-year-old is currently lodged in a metropolitan detention center in Los Angeles.
Sources indicate that an Indian investigation team has arrived in the US to coordinate with American authorities and finalize the necessary legal formalities. Although the extradition is expected shortly, officials clarified that Rana will not be brought to India on Wednesday, as certain procedural steps are still pending.
Extradition Path Cleared After Court Rulings
Last month, the US Supreme Court dismissed Rana’s plea seeking to halt his extradition. He had argued that he could face physical and mental torture if extradited to India, citing his Pakistani origin and health concerns. However, the court found no merit in his claims, effectively paving the way for his return to face trial.
Earlier, Rana had filed an emergency petition to stop his extradition, citing religious discrimination and poor health. These efforts were also unsuccessful.
Ties to 26/11 Conspirator David Headley
Tahawwur Rana is known to be closely associated with David Coleman Headley, the Pakistani-American terrorist and one of the key conspirators behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Headley had scouted locations and provided crucial intelligence to the attackers.
Rana’s extradition was approved by the Trump administration, and the move was publicly announced by then-President Donald Trump during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India Working Closely with US Authorities
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed its collaboration with US officials to expedite Rana’s extradition. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “The US Supreme Court refused to hear the plea of the accused on January 21. We are working with the US side on procedural matters to ensure early extradition.”
The 26/11 Mumbai Attacks
On November 26, 2008, ten heavily armed Pakistani terrorists infiltrated Mumbai via the Arabian Sea. They launched coordinated attacks on prominent locations including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Taj Mahal and Oberoi hotels, and the Jewish center at Nariman House. The assault lasted nearly 60 hours, resulting in the deaths of 166 people and leaving hundreds injured.
Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone terrorist captured alive, was tried and subsequently executed in 2012 at Pune’s Yerwada Jail.
As India prepares to bring Tahawwur Rana to justice, the extradition marks a significant step forward in delivering accountability for one of the deadliest terror attacks in the nation’s history.
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