26/11 Terror Attack: Accused Tahawwur Rana will be brought to India, permission from US court, 166 people were killed in the attack

Washington. A US court in California has allowed the extradition of Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana, wanted in connection with the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. On June 10, 2020, India lodged a complaint seeking the provisional arrest of 62-year-old Rana with a view to extradition. The Biden administration supported and approved Rana’s extradition to India.

In a 48-page order dated May 16, District Court Judge Jacqueline Chooljian for the Central District of California said the court has reviewed and considered all documents presented in support and opposition to the request and the arguments presented at the hearing.

The judge said the court has concluded that 62-year-old Rana is extraditable for the offenses for which his extradition has been requested. On 26 November 2008, Rana was arrested in the US after India requested his extradition for his role in the horrific terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has said that it is ready to initiate proceedings to bring him to India through diplomatic channels. Rana’s role in the 26/11 attacks carried out by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists is being probed by the NIA.

During the court hearing, attorneys for the US government argued that Rana knew that his childhood friend, Pakistani-American David Coleman Headley, was involved in Lashkar-e-Taiba and thus aided and abetted Headley in his activities. By providing, he helped the terrorist organization and its associates. On the other hand, Rana’s counsel opposed the extradition.

A total of 166 people including six Americans were killed in the Mumbai terror attacks. These attacks were carried out by 10 Pakistani terrorists. These attacks continued for more than 60 hours at prestigious and important places in Mumbai. There is an extradition treaty between India and America. The judge ruled that Rana’s extradition to India was entirely within the jurisdiction of the treaty.

A terrorist named Ajmal Kasab was caught alive in these attacks, who was hanged in India on 21 November 2012. The remaining terrorists were killed by the Indian security forces during the attacks.

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