After a protracted legal battle within the United States, Tahawwur Rana, implicated in the devastating 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is being transported to India aboard a dedicated aircraft. Sources indicate the plane will require refueling and is anticipated to arrive tonight or early tomorrow.
This development follows the US Supreme Court’s definitive rejection of Rana’s latest petition seeking to halt his extradition. As stated in Monday’s court order, “The application for stay addressed to The Chief Justice and referred to the Court is denied.” This decision mirrors a similar denial made back in March.
Rana previously asserted to US courts that he faced serious health concerns, including an abdominal aortic aneurysm at risk of rupture, Parkinson’s disease accompanied by cognitive impairment, and a concerning mass potentially indicative of bladder cancer. He argued that these conditions would preclude his survival long enough to undergo trial in India. Furthermore, he claimed he would be unjustly targeted within India due to national, religious, and cultural prejudice.
The momentum towards this extradition gained significant traction during a February meeting between former US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During a joint press conference, they jointly affirmed that Rana would ultimately face justice in India.
Rana holds a connection to David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani-American terrorist and pivotal figure involved in the planning of the November 26, 2008 Mumbai attacks. He is described as a businessman with medical and immigration backgrounds.
While a US jury acquitted Rana of charges related to directly providing material support for the Mumbai attacks, he was convicted on two separate counts and initially sentenced to over a decade in prison.
His deteriorating health following the Covid-19 pandemic led to his temporary release from incarceration. Subsequently, he was rearrested with the express purpose of facilitating his extradition to India. Rana vigorously contested this extradition request, but ultimately exhausted all avenues for legal challenge.
Key Facts:
- Rana is an associate of David Coleman Headley, a key conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
- He claimed serious health issues to avoid extradition, including an aneurysm and potential cancer.
- The US Supreme Court definitively denied his requests for a stay on extradition.
- His release from prison was due to failing health related to the Covid pandemic.
As stated by one legal expert: “This marks a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Mumbai attacks and underscores the commitment between both nations to hold those responsible accountable.”
