26/11 Attacks Conspirator Tahawwur Rana Extradited To India
In a significant breakthrough in the long-standing 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case probe, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday confirmed the successful extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana from the United States to India. The extradition, according to officials, marks a major victory for Indian investigative agencies in their efforts to bring the masterminds of the 2008 attacks to justice.
Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian national, is accused of playing a central role in the conspiracy behind the 26/11 attacks that left 166 people dead and over 238 injured. The coordinated assaults across Mumbai, including at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, were carried out by operatives of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), with Rana alleged to have conspired alongside David Coleman Headley (also known as Daood Gilani) and other Pakistan-based extremists.
The extradition process had been initiated under the India-US Extradition Treaty and faced multiple legal hurdles over several years. A US District Court in California ordered Rana’s extradition in May 2023. However, he launched several legal challenges including appeals to the Ninth Circuit Court, two habeas petitions, a writ of certiorari, and an emergency plea to the US Supreme Court—all of which were ultimately denied.
Following the exhaustion of these legal avenues, the US government issued a surrender warrant at India’s request, paving the way for his extradition. The NIA, with support from the US Department of Justice and US Sky Marshal services, coordinated closely with Indian intelligence agencies, the National Security Guard (NSG), the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure Rana’s transfer to Indian custody.
Rana now faces trial in India for his alleged involvement in one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in the country’s history. He is charged with conspiracy to commit terrorist acts alongside members of banned organisations such as LeT and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI), both of which are proscribed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The extradition is being seen as a diplomatic and legal triumph for India, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring accountability for cross-border terrorism. The NIA stated that it remains committed to pursuing justice for the victims of the 26/11 attacks and will take all necessary steps to prosecute Rana as per the due process of law.
