Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday expressed satisfaction over the extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India, highlighting the shared efforts of both nations in pursuing justice for the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Rubio posted on X, “We extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face charges for his role in planning the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. Together, with India, we’ve long sought justice for the 166 people, including 6 Americans, who lost their lives in these attacks. I’m glad that day has come.”
Rana Accused of Praising 26/11 Attackers
According to the US Department of Justice, Rana had allegedly praised the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists involved in the Mumbai attacks. He reportedly told co-conspirator David Coleman Headley that the Indians “deserved it” and suggested that the attackers should receive Pakistan’s highest military honour, the Nishan-e-Haider. These statements were captured in intercepted conversations between the two.
Rana’s Role in the 26/11 Attacks
Tahawwur Rana, a former Pakistan Army medical corps officer turned immigration consultant, faces trial for facilitating the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He allegedly provided logistical support to his childhood friend and prime accused, David Headley, enabling him to conduct reconnaissance for the terror operation.
NIA Says Rana Planned More Attacks
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) informed the court that Rana’s interrogation is crucial for uncovering further conspiracy layers. Officials believe the tactics used in the Mumbai attacks were potentially intended for similar plots in other Indian cities.
“We suspect that the tactics used in the Mumbai attacks were intended for execution in other cities as well, prompting investigators to examine whether similar plots were developed elsewhere,” an NIA source said.
Rana Brought to Court Amid Tight Security
Rana was brought to court under heavy security, with a convoy including a jail van, an armoured SWAT vehicle, and an ambulance.
Extradition Completed After US Supreme Court Rejection
Rana arrived in India on Thursday with NIA officials after completing all legal procedures in the US. His final attempt to avoid extradition failed when the US Supreme Court rejected his appeal. The 64-year-old was previously held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Los Angeles.
