Tahawwur Rana, the key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, will reach India on Wednesday. As a result, two jails—one in Delhi and another in Mumbai—have quietly prepared for his arrival. These preparations follow instructions from the US judiciary regarding the handling of extradited persons.
Who is Tahawwur Rana?
Tahawwur Rana, accused of masterminding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited from the United States and is expected to arrive in India early tomorrow morning, accompanied by a special team of intelligence and investigative officials. In line with recommendations from a US court, discreet high-security arrangements have been put in place at two jails in Delhi and Mumbai. Top government sources have informed that upon arrival.
NIA to Take Over Initial Custody
To begin with, Rana will be in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for the first few weeks. Moreover, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs are closely monitoring the entire operation.
Rana’s Involvement in 26/11 Attacks
Importantly, Rana is a Pakistani-Canadian and a member of the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He helped David Coleman Headley—also known as Dawood Gilani—enter India using a Pakistani-American passport. Headley’s mission was to locate possible targets for the Mumbai terror attacks. These attacks were planned by LeT in collaboration with Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI.
Shockingly, Rana expressed pride in the 26/11 attacks. He reportedly said the jihadis behind the attacks “deserved Pakistan’s highest posthumous military honours.”
Kasab Remains the Only Convicted Attacker
So far, Ajmal Kasab is the only attacker convicted for the 26/11 siege. Authorities caught him alive during the operation. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump confirmed Rana’s extradition and said, “Rana is going back to India to face justice.”
India Began Extradition Push in 2019
Significantly, India began seeking Rana’s extradition in 2019. In December that year, India sent a diplomatic request to the US. Later, on June 10, 2020, Indian officials asked the US to temporarily detain Rana to support the legal process.
According to court documents from both countries, Rana and Headley were central to the attack planning. Additionally, they were closely connected to ISI officer Major Iqbal, believed to be the main mastermind.
Rana Travelled to Mumbai Before Attacks
Interestingly, Rana flew from Dubai to Mumbai just before the attacks. He came to check that all preparations were in place. According to police records, “He had checked into the Renaissance Hotel in Powai during his visit to India between 11 and 21 November 2008. The attacks occurred five days after his departure.”
FBI Caught Rana and Headley in 2009
Eventually, the FBI arrested Rana and Headley in 2009. They were planning a terror attack on a Danish newspaper. They were also accused of helping Lashkar-e-Taiba between 2005 and 2009.
In court, Headley shared that in early 2006, he and two LeT operatives discussed opening an immigration office in Mumbai. This office would act as a cover for surveillance. Later, after returning to Chicago, Headley informed Rana—his schoolmate from Pakistan—that he was sent to India for the mission.
Rana Supported Headley’s Cover in India
Notably, Rana owned Immigration Services in Chicago and other cities. He allowed Headley to open a Mumbai branch to serve as a front for terror operations. Rana also helped Headley get a five-year visa. As a result, Headley made five trips to India between 2007 and 2008 to survey possible targets.
The US Justice Department stated, “Rana directed an individual to prepare documents supporting Headley’s cover story, and advised Headley on how to obtain a visa for travel to India.”
Email Evidence Confirms Their Connection
Furthermore, Mumbai Police found email exchanges between Headley and Rana. These messages included discussions about Major Iqbal. In addition, Rana posed as Headley in an email to a Danish newspaper. By late 2009, both men agreed that Rana could use incoming funds to support Headley’s activities in Denmark.
