US Supreme Court Clears Way for 26/11 Plotter Tahawwur Rana's Extradition to India

US Supreme Court Clears Way for 26/11 Plotter Tahawwur Rana's Extradition to India

The extradition of Pakistani-origin businessman Tahawwur Hussain Rana, convicted in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has taken a significant step forward. The US Supreme Court recently denied Rana’s petition to prevent his extradition to India, bringing the process closer to fruition.

Background on the 26/11 Mumbai Attacks

The 26/11 Mumbai attacks were a series of coordinated terrorist strikes carried out by the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) from November 26–29, 2008.

Key Facts:

  • Targets: Major landmarks including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), and Nariman House.
  • Casualties: Over 164 people killed, including foreign nationals, and more than 300 injured.
  • Attackers: 10 gunmen trained in Pakistan infiltrated Mumbai via sea routes.
  • Mastermind: The attacks were planned and executed under the leadership of Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and Hafiz Saeed, with significant logistical and planning support from individuals like David Headley and Tahawwur Rana.

Tahawwur Rana’s Role in the 26/11 Attacks

Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian citizen and businessman, was a co-conspirator with David Headley, who played a key role in conducting reconnaissance for the attacks.

Timeline of Legal Proceedings Against Rana:

  1. Initial Convictions in the US:

    • In 2011, Rana was convicted in a US District Court in Illinois on two counts:
      • Providing material support to terrorism in Denmark.
      • Providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba.
    • He was sentenced to 168 months (14 years) in prison in 2013.

  2. India’s Charges Against Rana:

    • India has charged Rana with conspiracy to:
      • Wage war against India.
      • Commit murder.
      • Forge documents.
      • Carry out terrorist acts.

Extradition Process in the US

  • June 2020: A provisional arrest warrant was issued for Rana while he was serving his sentence in California.
  • May 2023: A Magistrate Judge ruled that Rana was extraditable, rejecting his opposition.
  • August 2024: The Ninth Circuit Court upheld this ruling, dismissing Rana’s petition for a writ of habeas corpus.
  • November 2024: Rana filed a writ of certiorari with the US Supreme Court, challenging the lower court's decisions.

US Supreme Court Verdict: January 2025

The Supreme Court denied Rana’s writ of certiorari, effectively ending his legal attempts to block extradition. This decision clears the way for the US Secretary of State to finalize the extradition and transfer Rana to India.

Key Statement from the Court:

The District Court of California had earlier stated:

“Rana is extraditable for the offenses for which extradition has been requested... pending a final decision on extradition and surrender by the Secretary of State to India for trial.”

India’s Focus on Bringing Rana to Justice

India’s extradition request stems from the need to bring to justice all individuals involved in the planning and execution of the 26/11 attacks, which were among the most devastating terrorist strikes in Indian history.

Significance of the Verdict

  1. Justice for 26/11 Victims: The extradition of Tahawwur Rana would mark a major step in holding all conspirators accountable.
  2. Global Counterterrorism Cooperation: The case highlights strong cooperation between the US and India in tackling terrorism.
  3. Message to Perpetrators: This move sends a strong message that individuals involved in terrorist activities cannot escape accountability, regardless of jurisdiction.

Conclusion

The US Supreme Court’s ruling marks a significant milestone in the fight against terrorism. With the decks now cleared for Tahawwur Rana’s extradition, India stands one step closer to ensuring justice for the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, a tragedy that remains etched in the nation’s collective memory.

Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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