Tahawwur Rana, charged with the involvement of 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks, approached the US Supreme Court as an attempt to stave off extradition to India. While pleading in court, Rana referred to health threats and torture apprehension should he be deported to India.
““I will be tortured on the highest order since I am a Muslim of Pakistan origin,” Rana informed the US Supreme Court. He also referred to himself as a “walking time bomb” as he suffers from serious medical conditions, such as a bulging artery, Parkinson’s disease, and a “possible cancer” diagnosis.
Role of Tahawwur Rana the 26/11 Attacks
A Canadian of Pakistani descent, Rana was convicted in the United States of supporting the outlawed terrorist organization LeT. He is sought by Indian authorities for having allegedly enabled the Mumbai attacks that claimed more than 174 lives. Extradition has been a long-standing Indian demand that has been pushing for justice in the case.
Trump Confirms Extradition of Tahawwur Rana
President Donald Trump formally indicated last month while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a visit to the US that Rana’s extradition had been granted.
I am happy to report that my administration has authorized the extradition of one of the plotters (Tahawwur Rana) and one of the very bad individuals of the world, relating to the heinous 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack to stand trial in India,” Trump stated at a joint press conference with Modi.
When Will Rana Be Extradited?
As per reports, the Indian government is making arrangements for Rana’s extradition and hopes to get him in India within a couple of weeks. There, he will be produced before a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court, which will request his custody for further interrogation.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has promised that Indian officials are well-equipped to deal with Rana’s security. “Our jails are ready for Rana…We kept Ajmal Kasab, so this is not a security threat,” Fadnavis said.
Rana’s extradition is a major victory for Indian law officials, bringing a prime suspect in the 26/11 attacks one step closer to justice.
