Survivors of the Mumbai Terror Attacks Applaud US Court’s Extradition Ruling for Tahawwur Rana

Mumbai, Jan 25 (NationPress) Survivors of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks have commended the US Supreme Court's ruling to sanction the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an alleged co-conspirator in this tragic event. Victims and their families have voiced their urgent need for justice, with many insisting on severe punishment.

Devika Rotawan, a survivor who was just 10 years old during the attacks, spoke with IANS and reflected on the harrowing incidents of that fateful night, stating, “Rana must be promptly brought to justice in India. His extradition will finally reveal the detailed planning behind the attack -- how it was executed and what the true motivations were.”

Rotawan emphasized the necessity of targeting the masterminds behind such vile acts rather than merely focusing on operatives like Ajmal Kasab. “Justice will prevail only when the major terrorists are apprehended and punished, not just minor players like Kasab,” she told IANS.

Expressing gratitude towards the government's relentless efforts to secure Rana's extradition, she noted, “It is admirable that the government is taking decisive actions against terrorism. I am pleased he will be extradited, but the pressing question remains -- when? Such terrorists must face harsh punishment to dissuade others from similar crimes.”

Devika was present at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) on November 26, 2008, when terrorists unleashed gunfire, claiming numerous lives. She sustained a bullet injury to her leg during the assault, which led to her hospitalization.

Recollecting that night, she said, “I was injured and taken to the hospital where they extracted the bullet from my leg. I witnessed Kasab at CST, shooting directly at individuals. Later, my father and I identified him in court during his trial.”

Devika’s father, Natwarlal Rotawan, who was also at CST during the attacks, shared his sorrow with IANS and demanded immediate action. “We were en route to Pune that evening when the terrorists struck. They shot indiscriminately, threw grenades, and my daughter was hit by a bullet. Believing she was dead, they moved on. We lay there for 20 minutes before help arrived,” he recounted.

Expressing relief over the decision to extradite Rana to India, Natwarlal stated, “The prolonged wait for justice is always agonizing. Kasab was executed, but it took nearly four years post-attack. Once Rana is extradited, he must be tried and punished without delay. The victims deserve closure.”

Natwarlal also recalled his experience as a witness during Kasab's trial. “I stood in court and identified Kasab. I couldn’t contain my fury -- I confronted him openly,” he told IANS.

The 26/11 Mumbai attacks etched a lasting scar on the city and the nation, resulting in 166 fatalities and injuring over 300 individuals. Survivors like Devika and Natwarlal continue to endure the physical and emotional repercussions of that night.

Previously, the US Supreme Court approved Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India, rejecting his appeal against the decision.

Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani descent who left military service to establish a successful immigration business in Chicago, is sought in connection with the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack case. This was Rana's final opportunity to avoid extradition to India.

Rana filed a “petition for a writ of certiorari” with the US Supreme Court on November 13, which was denied by the court a day after Donald Trump took office as the American President.

Currently, Rana, aged 64, is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Los Angeles.