Sat Jan 25 08:34:31 UTC 2025: ## 26/11 Mumbai Attacks: Convict Tahawwur Rana’s Extradition to India Cleared by US Supreme Court

**New Delhi, India** – Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin convicted in the US for aiding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, will be extradited to India following the US Supreme Court’s rejection of his final appeal. This decision marks a significant victory for India’s six-year-long diplomatic effort to bring Rana to justice for his role in the attacks that killed at least 166 people.

Rana, a former Pakistan Army doctor, was found guilty in 2011 of providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the Pakistani militant group responsible for the Mumbai attacks. He was linked to David Headley, a key conspirator, assisting Headley with obtaining visas and logistical support. Rana’s knowledge of the impending attacks and his visit to the Taj Mahal Hotel (a target of the attacks) further implicated him.

The extradition process began in 2019, facing legal challenges from Rana who argued against being tried twice for the same offense. However, the US Solicitor General countered that the charges for which India seeks his extradition were not included in the US prosecution. A lower court’s ruling in favor of extradition, upheld by the Supreme Court earlier this month and solidified by the rejection of a review request, paves the way for his imminent transfer to India.

Indian officials anticipate that Rana’s interrogation will uncover crucial details and missing links related to the attacks, potentially leading to the reopening of cases and investigations. His alleged close ties to the Pakistani spy agency, ISI, also raise expectations that he will provide valuable intelligence.

Upon his arrival in India, a fresh case will be filed, and a new chargesheet prepared, according to Bombay High Court advocate Aniket Nikam. The extradition process will involve Indian officers taking custody of Rana upon his deportation from the US.

This extradition is considered a major diplomatic achievement for India, demonstrating the resolve to bring perpetrators of heinous crimes to justice, regardless of their location or attempts to evade legal processes.

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