Lagatar24 Desk:
Washington: The US Supreme Court has dismissed Tahawwur Rana’s final plea against his extradition to India, clearing the path for the Mumbai terror attack convict to face trial in the 2008 case. The decision marks the end of his legal battle in the United States.
India has sought the extradition of Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, for his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks that claimed 166 lives, including six Americans. The Supreme Court denied his petition for a writ of certiorari on January 21, a day after Donald Trump assumed office as the 47th President of the United States.
The decision reads simply, “Petition DENIED.” Rana, aged 64, remains detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles.
US Government’s Stand
US Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar, representing the federal government, opposed the petition, arguing that Rana’s extradition to India is justified. She highlighted that not all charges brought by India were covered in Rana’s previous trial in Chicago, particularly pointing to forgery charges related to false documentation submitted to the Reserve Bank of India.
Legal Background
Rana’s earlier arguments rested on his acquittal in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on charges related to the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He claimed that India’s extradition request was based on the same conduct. However, Prelogar contended that some charges, including conspiracy and forgery, were not addressed in his US trial.
Rana’s Connection to 26/11
Rana is known to have close ties with David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani-American terrorist who played a key role in planning the 26/11 attacks. These attacks, orchestrated by Pakistan-based militants, targeted iconic locations in Mumbai, leading to a 60-hour siege that shook the world.
With the Supreme Court’s decision, Rana’s extradition process to India moves closer to fruition, where he is expected to stand trial for his alleged role in one of India’s deadliest terror incidents.
