Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a prime accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, was extradited to India on Thursday, April 10, after the US Supreme Court rejected his final plea against extradition.
Rana arrived in Delhi around 2:30 PM on a special flight escorted by a multi-agency Indian team that had traveled to the US to bring him back. His extradition marks a major breakthrough in India’s efforts to bring all conspirators of the 26/11 attacks to justice.
Who is Tahawwur Hussain Rana?
Rana, 64, is a Pakistan-born Canadian national and a close associate of David Coleman Headley (also known as Daood Gilani), one of the principal planners of the 26/11 attacks. Headley, a US citizen, had conducted reconnaissance missions across Mumbai ahead of the terror strike, reportedly with assistance from Rana.
What Happened on 26/11?
On November 26, 2008, ten Pakistani terrorists infiltrated Mumbai via the Arabian Sea and launched a series of coordinated attacks across the city. Targets included the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident, and the Nariman (Jewish) House.
The assault lasted nearly three days and resulted in the deaths of 166 people, including citizens from the US, UK, and Israel. The lone captured terrorist, Ajmal Amir Kasab, was tried and executed in November 2012 at Yerawada Jail in Pune.
Why This Matters
Rana’s extradition is viewed as a significant step in ensuring accountability for the deadliest terror attack on Indian soil. His links to Headley and alleged role in facilitating the planning stages of the operation make his interrogation critical to unearthing the broader conspiracy.
