New Delhi: The extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, one of the accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has triggered a massive security operation in Delhi that is likely to come at a major financial cost to the government.

Rana, who is set to arrive in India from the United States on Thursday, will be taken into custody under tight security by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). From his transport in a bulletproof convoy escorted by armoured vehicles to the deployment of SWAT commandos and elite police units, multiple layers of high-level protection have been put in place.

He will be interrogated in a specially prepared secure cell at the NIA headquarters, with only a select few officers allowed access. His judicial custody will be spent in a high-security ward at Tihar Jail, requiring dedicated security arrangements round-the-clock.

How much could this cost?
While no official figure has been released yet for Rana's security expenses, the nature and scale of the measures suggest the cost is likely to be substantial. A similar operation was carried out during the detention of Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist captured alive during the 26/11 attacks.

In Kasab’s case, the media reports suggest the figure stood at over Rs 29 crore (From November 2008 to October 2012), including the cost of food, security, medical care, and a bullet- and bomb-proof cell. However, senior officials involved in the case later claimed that the actual cost was closer to Rs 50 crore, factoring in expenses for elite security forces, special judicial arrangements, and infrastructure.

Given the comparable security demands in Rana’s case — including the use of armoured vehicles and high-risk prisoner protocols — the cost of his confinement is expected to run high.

Why such high expenditure?
Rana’s case is considered highly sensitive due to its international dimensions and potential links to state-sponsored terrorism. Ensuring his safety is not just about protecting a high-profile detainee, but also about securing a key piece of the ongoing investigation into one of India’s deadliest terror attacks.