Thu Apr 10 09:53:51 UTC 2025: ## India Welcomes Extradition of 26/11 Plotter Tahawwur Rana

**New Delhi, [Date]** – Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key figure accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is en route to India after his extradition from the United States. A special flight carrying Rana, 64, departed from the US this evening, concluding his years-long legal battle against extradition.

Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, is expected to land in Delhi later tonight and will be immediately arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). A joint NIA and Research and Analysis Wing team is escorting him back to India. He will likely be presented before a Delhi court shortly thereafter. The Mumbai Police are awaiting notification of his transfer to the city.

Rana faces charges of criminal conspiracy, waging war against the Indian government, murder, forgery, and violations of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. He is accused of providing logistical and financial support to the Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Pakistan-based terrorist group responsible for the 26/11 attacks that claimed 166 lives. David Coleman Headley, the prime accused in the attacks, testified that Rana facilitated the operation, including conducting reconnaissance of Mumbai under the guise of employment at Rana’s immigration consultancy.

Rana was arrested by the FBI in Chicago in 2009, a year after the Mumbai attacks, for his role in both the Mumbai attacks and an aborted plot to attack a Danish newspaper. He was convicted in the US in 2011 for conspiracy and has been held at a Los Angeles detention center since. His extradition was approved by the Trump administration in February 2020, an announcement made during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Modi.

The 2008 Mumbai attacks targeted several iconic locations including hotels, a train station, and a Jewish community center. While India holds Lashkar-e-Taiba responsible, Pakistan denies any involvement. Rana’s arrival marks a significant step in bringing those responsible for the devastating attacks to justice.

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