In a highly coordinated and top-secret mission, Indian authorities successfully executed ‘Operation Rana’, ensuring the safe extradition of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana from the United States to India.
According to sources, credible threats from Pakistan-based terror groups necessitated utmost secrecy and heightened security measures throughout the transit. A special aircraft, manned by senior NIA officials and NSG commandos, departed from Los Angeles with Rana onboard. To prevent any self-harm, one NIA official reportedly held Rana’s hand for the entire flight.
In the air, elite Indian intelligence units, ATC teams, and commandos monitored the aircraft’s movements in real-time. The aircraft made a refuelling halt before completing its journey, eventually landing in Delhi on Thursday afternoon.
Upon arrival at Palam Air Base, the Delhi Police’s security wing was placed under strict protocols—officers were asked to surrender their mobile phones to prevent leaks. Rana was transported in a non-transparent jail van through an alternate airport gate, successfully avoiding media glare.
Once brought to court, no cameras or mobile devices were allowed, reflecting the tight control over information flow. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) confirmed that Rana will remain in custody for 18 days, during which he will be intensively interrogated about the complete conspiracy behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which claimed 166 lives and injured over 238 people.
The NIA submitted emails sent by Rana as part of its evidence, asserting that his custodial interrogation is crucial to understand the extent of his involvement and to identify remaining co-conspirators. Rana is accused of working closely with David Coleman Headley, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and HUJI operatives to plot the coordinated terrorist attack.
Security analysts are calling ‘Operation Rana’ a diplomatic and intelligence victory for India, showcasing the precision, secrecy, and international cooperation required to bring a high-profile terror accused back to Indian soil after years of legal proceedings in U.S. courts.