The extradition of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India is likely to face delays despite the US Supreme Court rejecting his review petition. Sources revealed that Rana has filed a final appeal on humanitarian grounds, which could postpone his return by several weeks.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent US visit, former President Donald Trump announced that his administration had approved Rana’s extradition. “Today, I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters and one of the very evil people of the world (Tahawwur Rana), having to do with the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack to face justice in India. He is going back to India to face justice… We are giving a very violent man, it seems to me,” Trump said at a joint press conference with Modi.
But sources explained to NDTV on Saturday that Rana’s last legal avenue is his final appeal on human rights grounds in a US forum of appeals. Experts say that this legal action will not affect diplomatic relations between India and the US but will possibly put a hold on his arrival in India.
Rana’s Role in 26/11 Attacks
Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian citizen, was found guilty in 2011 by a US federal jury of giving material support to LeT, the group responsible for the fatal 2008 Mumbai attacks. The attacks were mounted on multiple targets, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the famous Taj Mahal Hotel, and resulted in the killing of 166 individuals, including 20 security officials and 26 foreign nationals.
Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators in the attacks, testified against Rana. Headley testified that he had gone on reconnaissance trips to Mumbai in 2007 and 2008 while posing as a business visa holder with Rana’s assistance. Rana also assisted Headley in opening an immigration firm to hide his identity.
Although an American court acquitted Rana of complicity in the 26/11 attacks, he was convicted of providing support to LeT and aiding a terror conspiracy in Denmark. His extradition is a key point in India-US counterterror cooperation.
The US and India have committed to cooperating against terrorism. In his press conference with PM Modi, Trump reiterated, “India and the US will cooperate like never before to counter the menace of radical Islamic terror around the globe.”
As Rana’s legal case drags on, India is set on bringing him to justice. The authorities are following the case closely, waiting for the final verdict on his appeal.