Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Tahawwur Rana, one of the key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was recently extradited to India from the US after exhausting all legal options to prevent his surrender. Rana had cited 33 health-related issues and torture claims in an attempt to stop the extradition, but the US government dismissed the plea.
Rana’s Final Attempt To Avoid Extradition
Rana’s lawyer, John D Cline, wrote a letter to the US State Department on January 21, 2025, highlighting over 30 medical issues, warning of torture in Indian jails, and raising concerns over possible death during incarceration in India.
The letter stated that Rana’s poor health, declining over the years, included Parkinson’s disease, kidney disease, coronary artery issues, asthma, and even a suspicious bladder mass. It also mentioned that Rana would need dialysis, surgery, or chemotherapy if diagnosed with cancer.
US Response To Rana’s Claims
The US State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, responded to the plea on February 11, 2025, making it clear that the extradition would proceed. The US government asserted that all international norms, including the UN Convention Against Torture, were being followed.
The US also offered to pass Rana’s updated medical records to Indian authorities to help them prepare for his treatment.
NIA Custody And Interrogation In Delhi
Tahawwur Rana landed in Delhi on Thursday and was sent to the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for 18 days.
During interrogation, the NIA aims to uncover the role of individuals connected to Rana, including a mysterious man he met in Dubai before the 26/11 attacks. The agency is also focusing on Rana’s immigration office in Mumbai, allegedly used by David Headley to conduct recce operations for the attacks.
Focus On Other Terror Links
NIA officials are also likely to question Rana about the roles of Pakistani nationals Ilyas Kashmiri, Abdur Rehman, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, and Sajid Majeed Mir in the 26/11 attacks. The agency is expected to collect voice samples and corroborate call records during the interrogation.
Rana’s Connection With 26/11 Attacks
Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, was a former doctor in the Pakistan Army. His involvement in the Mumbai terror attacks was revealed by David Headley, his childhood friend and a key conspirator, who stated that Rana facilitated the opening of an immigration office in Mumbai as a cover for terror activities.
Headley used a five-year visa obtained with Rana’s help to travel to India multiple times between 2007 and 2008 for reconnaissance of potential targets for the attacks.
Rana had also stayed at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai with his wife before the attacks — the hotel later became one of the prime targets during the 26/11 siege.
