After years of legal battles and diplomatic efforts, Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key figure implicated in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited from the United States to India.
Rana arrived at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport late Thursday evening, approximately at 6:30 pm. He was subsequently brought before the Patiala House Court around 10:30 pm.
The extradition marked a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims and families affected by the devastating attacks. Following a final unsuccessful attempt to avoid repatriation, Rana departed from the US on Wednesday aboard a specially arranged flight accompanied by agents from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Research and Analysis Wing.
The 2008 attacks, which unfolded over nearly 60 hours, began on November 26th and targeted several locations in Mumbai. A group of ten Pakistani terrorists launched a coordinated assault on:
- A major railway station
- Two prominent luxury hotels
- The Chabad-Lubavitch Jewish centre
These attacks, executed after the terrorists infiltrated India via sea routes in the Arabian Sea, resulted in the tragic loss of 166 lives.
Rana’s connection to the attacks stems from his association with David Coleman Headley, also known as Daood Gilani – a US citizen and one of the principal masterminds behind the conspiracy. Headley is believed to have played a crucial role in reconnaissance activities leading up to the attacks.
Key Updates Regarding Rana’s Extradition:
- Rana was brought back to India on Thursday evening.
- He appeared before the Patiala House Court late that night.
- The extradition followed a failed last-minute attempt to avoid repatriation.
This marks a pivotal step in bringing those responsible for this tragedy to justice.
