Tahawwur Hussain Rana, an accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, was extradited from the United States to India on Thursday. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out the extradition with assistance from the United States Department of Justice (USDoJ). Upon arrival in Delhi, Rana is expected to be questioned by NIA and several other investigative agencies.
According to the NIA, the extradition marks the result of years of legal processes, diplomatic coordination, and persistent efforts between India and the United States. Rana, who was held in judicial custody in the US, had filed multiple petitions across various US courts to prevent his extradition.
Full legal timeline of the extradition case:
- On May 16, 2023, the Central District Court of California approved Rana’s extradition.
- He challenged this ruling by filing multiple appeals in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, all of which were dismissed.
- Rana then approached the US Supreme Court with a writ of certiorari, two habeas corpus petitions, and an emergency application — all of which were denied.
- Following the rejection of all legal remedies, the Government of India obtained a surrender warrant and completed the final extradition procedures.
The NIA, in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, National Security Guard (NSG), and other intelligence agencies, successfully brought Rana back to India.
The NIA stated that Rana’s extradition is a major step forward in securing justice for the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and holding the key conspirators accountable.
