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25 Jan 2025

US Supreme Court Clears Extradition of Tahawwur Rana: A Big Victory in India's Fight Against Terrorism



Tahawwur Rana, involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, is set to be extradited to India after the US Supreme Court rejected his appeal on January 21. Rana had earlier challenged a lower court's decision on November 13, 2024, but his final attempt was unsuccessful. 


Rana was apprehended by the FBI in 2009, and India successfully presented compelling evidence in US courts to support his extradition. This ruling bolsters the Extradition Treaty between the United States and India.


Rana is a childhood friend of David Headley


Rana's connection to the Mumbai attacks is significant, as he is a childhood friend of David Headley, the mastermind behind the attacks. According to court documents, Rana provided financial assistance to Headley and helped in identifying key locations targeted during the attacks. 


On November 26, 2008, ten terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out coordinated strikes in Mumbai, resulting in the deaths of 166 individuals, including American citizens. Evidence presented by India highlighted Rana's involvement in orchestrating the attacks alongside Headley.


Rana pursued legal avenues in US courts to avoid extradition


In an effort to avoid extradition, Rana pursued legal avenues in US courts, filing petitions in both the District Court of Los Angeles and the San Francisco Court. His appeals were dismissed on August 15, 2024. The courts ruled there was sufficient evidence against him as presented by India. The Supreme Court upheld the lower court's ruling, paving the way for Rana's extradition.


This development marks a significant victory for India's judicial system in its ongoing battle against terrorism. The 405-page charge sheet from Mumbai Police details Rana's active role in planning the attacks, his support for Lashkar-e-Taiba and the ISI, as well as his assistance in providing hideouts and strategies for the terrorists. Extraditing Rana is expected to yield further insights into the attack.


Additionally, Abdul Rehman Makki, deputy chief of the terrorist organization Jamaat-ud-Dawa and a key figure in the conspiracy, died recently. Makki passed away from a heart attack in Pakistan on December 27, 2024, and was implicated in funding the terrorists. His death may obscure many aspects of the conspiracy, but India's efforts to gather substantial evidence against all involved continue to pave the way for justice.


Prakash Kumar Pandey


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