New Delhi, June 12, 2024 – In a significant victory for India’s counterterrorism efforts, Tahawwur Rana, 26/11 Mastermind Tahawwur Rana Extradited to India, NIA to Take Custody ,the Pakistani-Canadian operative and key 26/11 Mumbai attacks plotter, has been extradited to India from the US. He is expected to land in Delhi on Wednesday, after which he will be held in a high-security facility under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) before being moved to Mumbai for trial.
Special Jail Arrangements Made for Rana
The Ministry of Home Affairs, under the supervision of National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, has directed two high-security jails—one in Delhi and another in Mumbai—to make covert arrangements for Rana’s detention. These measures align with US judicial recommendations for extradited terror suspects.
Rana’s Role in the 26/11 Mumbai Attacks
Rana, a close associate of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan’s ISI, facilitated the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks by arranging fake passports for David Headley (Dawood Gilani), who conducted reconnaissance missions in India. Investigations reveal that Rana personally visited Mumbai days before the attacks to finalize logistics. He stayed at the Renaissance Hotel in Powai from November 11-21, 2008, just five days before the massacre.
US-India Cooperation Seals Extradition
The extradition follows years of diplomatic pressure, with India submitting a formal request in December 2019 and filing a provisional arrest plea in June 2020. US President Donald Trump confirmed the move in February 2024, stating Rana would “face justice in India.”
Rana’s Terror Links and FBI Arrest
- 2009: Arrested by the FBI for plotting an attack on a Danish newspaper.
- 2011: Convicted in the US for supporting LeT but acquitted in the 26/11 case due to jurisdictional issues.
- Email Evidence: Mumbai Police uncovered communications between Rana and Headley discussing ISI’s Major Iqbal, the attacks’ mastermind.
Why This Extradition Matters
- Only Ajmal Kasab was previously prosecuted among the 26/11 attackers.
- Rana’s trial could expose deeper ISI-LeT collusion.
- Sets a precedent for extraditing terrorists sheltered abroad.
What’s Next?
- NIA interrogation to uncover new leads on ISI’s role.
- Possible revelations on Dawood Ibrahim’s network.
- Strengthened US-India counterterrorism cooperation.
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This extradition marks a crucial step in delivering long-pending justice for the 26/11 victims. Will Rana’s trial finally expose Pakistan’s terror machinery? Stay tuned for updates.