The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has confirmed the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, from the United States. The extradition marks a significant development after years of sustained diplomatic and legal efforts.
Background of Tahawwur Rana Involvement in 26/11 Attacks
Tahawwur Rana, a close associate of David Coleman Headley, played a pivotal role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 166 people. Rana’s involvement includes aiding Headley in securing a visa and SIM cards during his visits to India, where Headley conducted surveillance on key targets for the attacks. Rana’s extradition is seen as a crucial step in bringing him to justice for his role in one of the most devastating attacks on Indian soil.
NIA Statement on the Extradition
In an official press release, the NIA confirmed the extradition of Tahawwur Rana and praised the sustained efforts made by various agencies to bring the key conspirator to justice. The agency highlighted that Rana had been held in US judicial custody since his arrest in 2009 and had exhausted all legal means to prevent his extradition.
The NIA’s statement further noted:
“The District Court for the Central District of California had ordered his extradition on May 16, 2023. Subsequently, Rana filed several litigations in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, all of which were rejected. Even his petition for certiorari, two habeas petitions, and an emergency application before the US Supreme Court were all denied.”
The extradition was secured after India obtained a surrender warrant for Rana from the US government. The US Department of Justice, US Sky Marshal, and other agencies played an active role in the process, ensuring its successful completion.
Role of Indian Agencies in Securing Extradition
The NIA worked in close coordination with Indian intelligence agencies, including the National Security Guard (NSG), to ensure Rana’s extradition. Additionally, the Ministry of External Affairs and Home Ministry liaised with their counterparts in the United States to bring the matter to a successful conclusion.
Accusations Against Rana
Tahawwur Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani-American terrorist, and operatives of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI), two designated terrorist organizations, to carry out the deadly attacks in Mumbai. The attacks, which took place from November 26 to November 29, 2008, resulted in the deaths of 166 people and left several others injured.
Both LeT and HUJI have been declared terrorist organizations by the Government of India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) of 1967.
Conclusion
The extradition of Tahawwur Rana serves as a significant step towards bringing all those responsible for the 26/11 attacks to justice. The NIA’s relentless efforts, in collaboration with US authorities and Indian intelligence agencies, have ensured that Rana will finally face trial in India for his involvement in the tragic event. As the legal proceedings unfold, this extradition marks a victory for justice and a reminder of the ongoing commitment to fight terrorism and bring terrorists to justice.
