Washington: US President Donald Trump has confirmed that his administration has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key figure in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently held at a detention centre in Los Angeles. He is linked to Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 2008 attacks.
Speaking alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his US visit, Trump said, “Today I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters and very evil people of the world, and having to do with the horrific Mumbai terrorist attack, to face justice in India. So, he is going back to India to face justice.”
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US Supreme Court clears extradition
The approval follows the US Supreme Court’s decision in January to reject Rana’s review petition, clearing the way for his extradition. India has been actively working with US authorities for the swift extradition of Rana.
“The US Supreme Court on January 21 declined to hear a petition from the accused. We are now working with the US side on procedural issues for early extradition to India of the accused in the Mumbai terror attack,” said Randhir Jaiswal, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson.
26/11 Mumbai terror attack
On 26 November 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists carried out a horrific attack across Mumbai, targeting a railway station, two luxury hotels, and a Jewish centre. The attack, which lasted nearly 60 hours, resulted in 166 deaths and left the nation in shock. The assault was one of the deadliest in Indian history and brought India and Pakistan to the brink of war.
Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist, was captured and executed in 2012. However, India has faced challenges in bringing the other perpetrators to justice, with little progress made in the trial of those responsible.
The extradition of Rana represents a significant step in efforts to hold those responsible for the 26/11 attack accountable. While India continues to press Pakistan to punish the attackers, the legal proceedings in Pakistan have made limited progress.
Agency
Published: 14 Feb 2025, 07:17 am IST
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