US Evaluating Next Steps In Tahawwur Rana’s Extradition To India

The United States State Department has announced that it is currently evaluating the next steps regarding the extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India. Rana, a Pakistani-origin businessman, was convicted for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks, which claimed 174 lives, including those of 26 foreigners.

Key Updates:

1. US Commitment to Justice:
   • A spokesperson for the US State Department stated that the US has long supported India’s efforts to bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks to justice.
   • The statement comes in light of the recent US Supreme Court decision to deny a petition by Rana seeking to block his extradition to India.
2. Supreme Court Decision:
   • On January 21, 2025, the US Supreme Court rejected Rana’s petition of writ of certiorari, which challenged an earlier lower court order favoring his extradition.
   • This decision potentially clears the path for Rana to be extradited to India for prosecution.
3. Rana’s Convictions in the US:
   • Rana was previously prosecuted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, where he was convicted on charges of:
     • Conspiracy to provide material support to terrorism in Denmark (Count 11).
     • Providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba, the terrorist group responsible for the 26/11 attacks (Count 12).
   • His co-conspirator, David Headley, pleaded guilty and cooperated with US authorities, implicating Rana in the plot.
4. India’s Extradition Request:
   • India has sought Rana’s extradition to prosecute him for his involvement in planning and supporting the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
   • The attacks targeted multiple locations in Mumbai, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, leaving over 300 injured and causing widespread devastation.

Significance of the Extradition:

If Rana is extradited, it will mark a major step in holding all the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks accountable and demonstrate the strong cooperation between the US and India in combating global terrorism.

The State Department is expected to proceed with the case in accordance with US law and its bilateral extradition treaty with India.