Extradition of Pakistani origin Tahawwur Rana closer to India

Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana, who was involved in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, is likely to be brought to India soon. US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in August 2024 that Tahawwur Rana could be extradited to India. This decision has been taken under the extradition treaty existing between India and America.

Extradition efforts in India

According to the report, efforts have been intensified to bring Tahawwur Rana to India through diplomatic channels.

• US District Court’s decision: The US District Court had rejected Tahawwur Rana’s habeas corpus petition.
• Supporting Evidence: The court held that India had presented sufficient evidence proving Rana’s alleged involvement.

Connection of Tahawwur Rana and 26/11

Mumbai Police has named Tahawwur Rana in the charge sheet of 26/11 attacks.

• Member of ISI and Lashkar-e-Taiba: Pakistan’s intelligence agency on Rana ISI and terrorist organizations Lashkar-e-Taiba Is alleged to be related to.
• David Hadley’s endorsement: Rana had helped 26/11 mastermind David Coleman Headley in planning the attacks and conducting recce of locations in Mumbai.

US court decision

The US panel clarified that Rana’s crime falls within the terms of the extradition treaty between the US and India.

• Non-BIS in idem exceptions: Under the extradition treaty, the person may be extradited if he or she has not been convicted or acquitted of a crime in the requested state.
• Scope of extradition: The US court considered that the charges against Rana were sufficient for extradition.

David Headley and Tahawwur Rana’s role

The pair of David Headley and Tahawwur Rana were the main forces behind the 26/11 attack.

• Plan of Attack: While running a travel agency in Chicago, Rana helped Headley plan the attack.
• Receipt of location: He gathered information about important places and sea landing zones of Mumbai.
• Arrest by FBI: A year after the attacks, the FBI in Chicago arrested Rana.

Importance of extradition for India

The extradition of Tahawwur Rana is an important step towards bringing the perpetrators of the 26/11 attacks to justice.

• Process of Justice: Rana’s production in India may expose the deeper conspiracies of the 26/11 attack.
• Strong message: This will signal to the international community India’s determination against terrorism.