Key Points
- Extradition to India: Tahawwur Rana, accused of aiding the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is set to be extradited to India following a US court ruling.
- Role in Terror Plot: Rana allegedly supported mastermind David Coleman Headley in conducting reconnaissance for the attacks.
- Court Verdict: The US Ninth Circuit Court affirmed India’s evidence and denied Rana’s habeas corpus petition against extradition.
- Chargesheet Details: Mumbai Police named Rana in a 405-page chargesheet, linking him to Pakistan’s ISI and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
- Non-Bis in Idem Exception: The court ruled that the Indian charges differ from crimes for which Rana was acquitted in the US, enabling extradition.
- Arrest and Background: Rana was arrested by the FBI in Chicago less than a year after the attacks while running a travel agency.
New Delhi: In a significant development, Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistan-origin Canadian businessman accused of playing a pivotal role in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is likely to be extradited to India soon. The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in August 2024 that Rana is “extraditable to India” under the India-US extradition treaty, paving the way for his transfer. Diplomatic channels are actively facilitating the process.
Rana’s Role in the Mumbai Attacks
Rana, once a trusted associate of David Coleman Headley, has been accused of supporting Headley in conducting reconnaissance for the 26/11 attacks. According to investigators, Pakistani terrorists who executed the deadly assault relied on a blueprint allegedly influenced by Rana. His actions were reportedly coordinated with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Lashkar-e-Taiba, the terror group behind the attack.
The Mumbai Police chargesheet identifies Rana as a critical link in the terror conspiracy, detailing his operational support to Headley during the planning stages. Headley, now serving a prison sentence in the US, carried out extensive scouting of Mumbai’s landmarks and potential landing zones, a task Rana is said to have facilitated.
Court’s Findings and Legal Basis for Extradition
Rana’s legal battle to avoid extradition hinged on the principle of Non-Bis in Idem, which prevents extradition for offenses already tried in the requesting state. However, the US court found that the charges filed by India presented distinct elements from those Rana was previously acquitted of in the US.
The court upheld the findings of the magistrate judge, concluding that India provided sufficient evidence to establish probable cause for Rana’s involvement in the attacks. It also dismissed arguments that the plea agreement of a co-conspirator could alter the outcome.
Arrest and Early Developments
Rana was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Chicago less than a year after the 26/11 attacks. At the time, he operated a travel agency, which investigators allege was a cover for coordinating terror activities with Headley.
26/11 Mumbai Attacks: A Grim Reminder
The 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks were one of the deadliest in India’s history, claiming over 170 lives and injuring hundreds. Over 60 hours, 10 heavily armed terrorists from Pakistan unleashed coordinated attacks across key Mumbai locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and the Leopold Café.
Implications of Extradition
Rana’s extradition represents a significant milestone in bringing the perpetrators of 26/11 to justice. It also underscores India’s persistent diplomatic and legal efforts to hold those responsible accountable. For victims and their families, Rana’s return could mark a step toward closure after 15 years of grief and resilience.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the spotlight remains on the extradition process, which, once completed, will set the stage for Rana to face trial in India, ensuring justice for one of the most horrific terror attacks in modern history.
