The United States Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the plea of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to halt his extradition to India. Rana had sought an emergency stay, arguing that his extradition could put his life at risk due to his Pakistani origins. However, the US judiciary ruled against his appeal, clearing the path for his transfer to Indian authorities.
Rana’s Argument and US Approval
In his petition, Rana claimed that his survival chances would be minimal if extradited to India. He stated, “If a stay is not entered, there will be no review at all, and the US courts will lose jurisdiction, and the petitioner will soon be dead.”
Despite these claims, the US government approved his extradition last month under the administration of former President Donald Trump. During a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, Trump confirmed the decision, stating, “We are giving a very violent man (Tahawwur Rana) back to India immediately. There are more to follow because we have quite a few requests. We work with India on crime, and we want to make things better for India.”
Who is Tahawwur Rana?
Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, faces serious charges in India for his alleged involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks that claimed over 174 lives. Previously, he was convicted in the United States for aiding the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Indian authorities have been pursuing Rana’s extradition for years, linking him to David Coleman Headley (Daood Gilani), another accused in the 2008 attack. Headley, who had dual US-Pakistani citizenship, was arrested by US authorities in 2009. Rana is alleged to have assisted Headley by providing him with fake credentials, which enabled him to travel to India and conduct reconnaissance for the deadly LeT operation.
Next Steps in the Extradition Process
With the US Supreme Court rejecting his plea, Tahawwur Rana’s extradition to India is expected to proceed soon. The Indian government has been actively working with US authorities to ensure his transfer so that he can face trial for his alleged role in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in India’s history.
