New Delhi [India]: The extradition of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India is a strong signal to Pakistan to act against terrorism, said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday.
“Pakistan may try very hard, but its reputation as the epicentre of global terrorism will not diminish,” Jaiswal said during an official press briefing in New Delhi.
Jaiswal stressed that Rana’s extradition should serve as a reminder to Pakistan to prosecute other perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, many of whom remain sheltered on its soil.
Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian businessman, has been remanded to the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) by a Delhi court. The court noted that the conspiracy underlying the 26/11 attacks was transnational in scope, with multiple Indian cities, including Delhi, being scouted as potential targets.
In its ruling, the court emphasized that the material submitted pointed to a serious threat to national security, warranting comprehensive interrogation of Rana. Authorities must confront him with forensic evidence, key witnesses, and documents seized in connection with the case—especially those related to reconnaissance missions allegedly conducted by him and his associates.
Due to the complexity and sensitivity of the investigation, the court granted 18 days of police custody under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). It also cited Section 43-D of UAPA, which allows extended police custody for terrorism-related offences.
The court further mandated compliance with all legal safeguards, including medical examinations every 48 hours, and instructed authorities to ensure appropriate medical care in accordance with sovereign assurances provided during the extradition process.
Rana faces charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and UAPA, including:
- Criminal conspiracy to wage war against India (Section 120-B read with 121 IPC),
- Conspiracy to commit a terrorist act (Section 120-B read with Section 16 of UAPA),
- Murder (Section 302 IPC).
The case underscores India’s continued efforts to bring all those responsible for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks to justice and reinforces the country’s position on cross-border terrorism.