New Delhi, April 9: In a major development in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 attacks, is being extradited from the United States to India. The extradition process, which had been underway for several months, has now reached its final phase, with Rana reportedly being flown to India under tight security.
Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman, has been wanted by Indian authorities for his alleged involvement in facilitating the deadly terror attack in Mumbai that claimed 166 lives. His extradition marks a significant step forward in India’s pursuit of justice for the victims of the horrific incident.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called for a high-level security meeting in light of Rana’s arrival. The meeting includes top officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Intelligence Bureau, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The agenda is expected to focus on the security arrangements for Rana’s custody, interrogation procedures, and the legal roadmap ahead.
Rana’s name emerged prominently during the investigations into the 26/11 attacks, particularly due to his links with David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators who had scouted targets in Mumbai. Rana was convicted in the US for supporting the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba and plotting attacks, but not directly for the Mumbai strikes, which led India to pursue his extradition separately.
Sources indicate that the National Investigation Agency will take custody of Rana upon his arrival and begin formal interrogation to gather further evidence and establish his role in the larger conspiracy.
This extradition is being viewed as a diplomatic success for India, reflecting strong bilateral cooperation with the United States on counter-terrorism.
Further details are awaited as the extradition process unfolds.