MOHAMMAD ZIYAUDDIN
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Washington DC: On Thursday, US President Donald Trump announced the approval of the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, one of the key figures responsible for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. Trump made the announcement during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after their bilateral talks. "I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters, Tahawwur Rana, who was involved in the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack. He is going back to India to face justice," Trump said, as reported by news agency ANI.
US Support for India’s Efforts for Justice
The extradition comes after a lengthy process, with the US State Department confirming last month that it was evaluating the next steps regarding Rana’s extradition. A State Department spokesperson emphasized that the US has long supported India’s efforts to hold the perpetrators of the 26/11 attacks accountable. The statement read: "In view of the recent Supreme Court decision, and consistent with applicable US law, the Department of State is currently evaluating the next steps in this case. We have long supported India’s efforts to ensure the perpetrators of the Mumbai terrorist attacks face justice."
Background of the 26/11 Attacks
The 26/11 attacks in Mumbai resulted in the tragic loss of 174 lives, including 20 security personnel and 26 foreigners, while over 300 others were injured during the terror attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel on November 26, 2008.
Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-origin businessman, was convicted for his involvement in the attacks. His co-conspirator, David Headley, had previously pleaded guilty and cooperated with authorities against Rana.
Rana's Legal Battle Against Extradition
In a significant legal development on January 21, the US Supreme Court denied Rana’s petition, which sought to block his extradition to India. The petition, filed in November 2024, aimed to prevent the earlier decision by a lower court that had ruled in favor of his extradition. A writ of certiorari, the legal document that allows a higher court to review a case, was rejected, further paving the way for Rana’s extradition.
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