New Delhi [India]: Former Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Yogesh Chander Modi, on Wednesday described the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana—accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks—as a significant milestone for the country.
Rana, who faces charges for his alleged role in the deadly 2008 Mumbai attacks that left over 170 people dead, is expected to stand trial in India following the Supreme Court of the United States’ recent rejection of his final appeal.
Chander Modi, speaking to media, stated:
“This is a big achievement for the nation, MEA and NIA… In the matter of Tahawwur Rana, there was the political will of India as well as America, due to which the process was able to move forward… NIA provided foolproof evidence in the courts in America and our team visited America many times… Foolproof security systems are available in India… The Central government, Delhi Police and NIA will ensure that proper interrogation of Tahawwur Rana is carried out and collect evidence so that the case can be brought to its logical conclusion…”
Rana’s emergency plea to stay the extradition was filed before US Chief Justice John Roberts on March 20, 2025. The Supreme Court denied the application in an order dated April 7:
“The application for stay addressed to The Chief Justice and referred to the Court is denied,” the court stated.
The National Investigation Agency had initially lodged a case of criminal conspiracy against Rana in Delhi after the 2008 attacks, in which over 160 people lost their lives across key Mumbai locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and CST railway station.
Although the extradition is tied to that NIA case, officials indicated that it remains uncertain whether the Mumbai Crime Branch can pursue custody of Rana for any parallel local investigation:
“Only after examining the grounds of extradition will it be clear whether custody can be sought by the Mumbai Crime Branch in this matter,” a source said.
As of now, Mumbai Police have not received formal communication about Rana’s potential transfer for questioning or trial in the city.
Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national and convicted accomplice of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives, was earlier found guilty in the US of providing material support to the terrorist organization behind the Mumbai carnage.