New Delhi: After nearly 16 years, Tahawwur Rana—accused of playing a key role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks—is finally being extradited to India from the United States. Indian agencies are on high alert as he is expected to land in New Delhi soon and will likely be held in Tihar Jail under tight security.
Rana, 64, of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. He is known to be closely linked to David Coleman Headley, one of the masterminds behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
A top-level meeting was held on Wednesday to prepare for his arrival. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval led the discussion, which also included senior officials like IB Director Tapan Deka, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and NIA Chief Sadanand Date.
According to sources, a team of senior NIA officers and intelligence officials flew to the US last Sunday to take custody of Rana after the US Supreme Court rejected his final plea to stay the extradition. Once they return with him, he will be placed in judicial custody.
Security arrangements at Tihar Jail are already underway. Rana is expected to be housed in a high-security ward equipped with CCTV surveillance and a self-contained cell.
Rana’s extradition marks a significant step in India’s pursuit of justice in the 26/11 case. After years of legal procedures and coordination between Indian and American agencies, the ‘surrender warrant’—a necessary step in international extradition—was approved, clearing the way for his return.
The extradition is not just a legal victory but also a message that those involved in terror attacks will eventually be brought to justice, no matter how long it takes. Grolife will continue tracking this major national development.
