In a major diplomatic and legal milestone, Tahawwur Hussain Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, was extradited to India from the United States and brought before a Delhi court on Thursday under tight security arrangements.
Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, is alleged to have conspired with David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI), and other Pakistan-based operatives in orchestrating the 26/11 attacks, which claimed 166 lives and injured more than 238 people across Mumbai.
Ahead of his court appearance, Delhi Police cleared the Patiala House Court complex, citing security concerns. Media personnel and non-essential individuals were instructed to vacate the premises. This unprecedented security move reflected the gravity of the case and the high-profile nature of the accused.
Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan and NIA’s Special Public Prosecutor Advocate Narender Mann were seen arriving at the court to represent the government’s case.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) confirmed Rana’s extradition, stating it came after years of persistent legal and diplomatic efforts. Rana had exhausted all legal avenues to block his extradition, including appeals to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court, which ultimately denied his petitions.
The District Court for the Central District of California had ordered his extradition on May 16, 2023. Following the ruling, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) and US Sky Marshal service coordinated with Indian authorities, including MEA, MHA, and NIA, to facilitate the high-security transfer.
According to the NIA, Rana faces charges under:
- Section 120B read with Sections 121, 121A, 302, 468, and 471 of the IPC
- Sections 16, 18, and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
- Section 6(2) of the SAARC Convention (Suppression of Terrorism) Act
Both LeT and HUJI are officially designated terrorist organizations by the Government of India, and their operatives have been held responsible for carrying out or facilitating multiple acts of terror across the country.
This extradition is seen as a major victory for India’s counterterrorism efforts and a step toward justice for the victims of 26/11. Further proceedings will now be carried out under the supervision of the Special NIA Court in Delhi.