
Key Points:
- The US Supreme Court rejected Mumbai terror attack convict Tahawwur Rana’s final petition, paving the way for his extradition to India.
- Renowned prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam hailed this as a major legal and diplomatic victory for India.
- Rana, a Canadian of Pakistani origin, was implicated in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks that claimed 166 lives, including six Americans.
- US Solicitor General highlighted discrepancies between India’s charges and the US prosecution, adding complexity to the case.
- Rana, 64, is currently detained in Los Angeles and linked to David Coleman Headley, a key planner of the attacks.
New Delhi: India has achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of justice for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, as the US Supreme Court denied the final petition of Tahawwur Rana, a convict linked to the heinous assault that left 166 people dead. This decision paves the way for Rana’s extradition to India, marking a triumph in the country’s efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice.
A Long Legal Battle Comes to an End
Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, had filed a petition for a writ of certiorari with the US Supreme Court on November 13, 2024, seeking to overturn his conviction and extradition. However, the court issued a simple but decisive statement on January 21, 2025, stating: “Petition DENIED.”
This ruling came after Rana lost legal battles in multiple US federal courts, including the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco. With the Supreme Court’s denial, Rana’s last legal recourse to avoid extradition has been extinguished.
India’s Case Against Rana
India had sought Rana’s extradition to prosecute him for his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Rana is accused of aiding David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani-American terrorist and a pivotal planner of the attacks. Headley conducted reconnaissance missions in Mumbai under the guise of a business venture, laying the groundwork for the deadly assault by 10 Pakistani terrorists that lasted over 60 hours.
Rana’s role included providing logistical support to Headley, including helping him establish a cover story through false documentation. He is also accused of submitting fraudulent information to the Reserve Bank of India to open a branch office for his Immigration Law Centre, an act that forms part of India’s forgery charges against him.
US Response and Legal Arguments
The US government, represented by Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar, argued against Rana’s petition in December 2024, emphasizing the legitimacy of India’s extradition request. Prelogar noted that not all charges brought by India were addressed in the US case, but this did not undermine the validity of the extradition.
She highlighted the complexity of the US verdict, which involved conspiracy charges but left certain aspects of Rana’s conduct open to interpretation. Despite this, the US Supreme Court’s denial of Rana’s petition effectively affirms India’s right to prosecute him under its legal framework.
India’s Reaction and Expert Opinions
Renowned prosecutor and 26/11 advocate Ujjwal Nikam described the ruling as a “big win for India,” commending the US government for its cooperation. Nikam expressed confidence that Rana’s extradition would bolster India’s efforts to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and hold all perpetrators accountable.
“Justice for the victims of 26/11 has been a long journey, but this decision is a significant step forward,” Nikam stated.
A Turning Point in Counterterrorism Collaboration
Rana’s extradition signifies a new level of collaboration between India and the United States in combating terrorism. The 26/11 attacks remain a painful chapter in India’s history, and this development underscores the global commitment to holding terrorists and their collaborators accountable.
As Rana awaits his transfer from the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Los Angeles to India, this landmark decision brings hope for justice to the families of the 166 victims of the 26/11 attacks. It also sends a clear message to those involved in terrorism that international borders will not shield them from accountability.
For India, Rana’s extradition is not just a legal victory but a reaffirmation of its relentless pursuit of justice for one of the darkest days in its history.