26/11 Plotter Tahawwur Rana to Be Extradited to India Tomorrow Morning: Sources
Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is expected to be extradited to India early tomorrow morning, according to highly placed sources. The operation comes nearly four years after India formally sought his arrest and extradition from the United States.
A special team comprising senior intelligence and investigative officials from India has arrived in the US to facilitate the process. The team will accompany the 64-year-old Pakistani-origin Canadian national back to India.
Rana, a known operative of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), is believed to have played a crucial role in aiding David Coleman Headley, the Pakistani-American who conducted reconnaissance missions ahead of the deadly attacks that left over 170 people dead in Mumbai on November 26, 2008.
Sources have confirmed that elaborate, discreet high-security arrangements have been made at jails in both Delhi and Mumbai in anticipation of his arrival. Once in India, Rana will initially remain in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for extensive interrogation.
The extradition is being personally monitored by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the NIA. The coordinated effort marks a significant development in India’s long-standing push to bring those responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks to justice.
According to Indian authorities, Rana had travelled to Mumbai between November 11 and 21, 2008—just days before the attacks. He stayed at Hotel Renaissance in Powai, where he is believed to have overseen logistical preparations. The attacks began on the night of November 26 and targeted multiple sites across the city, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, CST railway station, and Nariman House.
Rana’s involvement was uncovered during the interrogation of David Headley, who is currently serving a 35-year sentence in the US. Headley, who turned approver in Indian courts via video conferencing, revealed that Rana had helped him secure travel documents and cover for his reconnaissance missions in India.
India formally sought Rana’s extradition in June 2020. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump confirmed that Rana would be sent to India to “face justice”. Last month, the US Supreme Court rejected Rana’s final attempt to block his extradition, clearing the path for his return.
Rana has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Los Angeles. Following his arrival in India, he is expected to face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit terrorism, providing support to a terrorist organisation, and aiding and abetting attacks on Indian soil.
This marks a crucial step in India’s efforts to hold all individuals connected with the 26/11 attacks accountable. Security analysts believe his interrogation may yield valuable insights into the LeT’s operations, international networks, and links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
