Mastermind of 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack, Tahawwur Rana, Extradited from the US and Arrested by NIA
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Synopsis
The NIA has arrested Tahawwur Rana, mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, upon his extradition from the US. This significant event follows years of legal battles and international cooperation aimed at bringing him to justice for the 2008 terror attacks that killed 166 people.
Key Takeaways
- Tahawwur Rana arrested by NIA upon extradition.
- Key conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
- Extradition followed extensive legal efforts.
- Rana faces serious charges under Indian law.
- Security heightened at NIA and court for trial.
New Delhi, April 10 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced on Thursday that it had officially taken into custody Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the primary architect behind the tragic 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, as soon as he landed at New Delhi's IGI Airport following a successful extradition, achieved after extensive and coordinated efforts to hold the mastermind behind the 2008 chaos accountable.
Rana, aged 64 and a Canadian citizen of Pakistani descent residing mainly in Chicago, was brought to New Delhi by teams from the National Security Guard (NSG) and NIA, including senior officials, on a chartered flight from Los Angeles.
The NIA's investigative team apprehended Rana immediately after he disembarked from the aircraft, having completed all requisite legal procedures.
In the United States, Rana had been detained under judicial custody due to proceedings commenced by the NIA under the India-US Extradition Treaty.
This extradition was finalized only after Rana’s numerous legal battles and appeals, including an urgent application to the US Supreme Court, were dismissed with the substantial support of the US Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, US Marshals Service, the FBI’s Legal Attache Office in New Delhi, and the US Department of State’s Office of the Legal Adviser for Law Enforcement, as stated by the premier anti-terror agency.
The persistent and diligent actions of India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs resulted in the acquisition of a surrender warrant for the fugitive, leading to his ultimate extradition. The NIA noted that it has collaborated closely with other Indian intelligence agencies throughout the extradition process, marking a significant advancement in India's mission to bring those involved in terrorism to justice, regardless of their location.
It was observed that the District Court for the Central District of California had authorized Rana's extradition on May 16, 2023, after which he filed several legal challenges in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, all of which were denied. He subsequently submitted a petition for a writ of certiorari, two habeas petitions, and an emergency application to the US Supreme Court, which were also rejected. The extradition proceedings commenced between the two nations after India finally secured a surrender warrant for the wanted terrorist from the US government, as mentioned by the NIA.
The NIA has charged Rana with conspiring alongside David Coleman Headley (also known as Daood Gilani) and operatives from designated terrorist organizations, namely Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI), along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to orchestrate the devastating terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008. The attacks resulted in the deaths of 166 individuals and injured over 238 others.
Both LeT and HUJI have been classified as terrorist organizations by the Indian government under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, the NIA statement further elaborated.
In the meantime, security measures have been heightened at the NIA headquarters and Patiala House Court in the national capital in anticipation of Rana's arrival to stand trial in India for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Rana, who is believed to have had strong connections with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the terrorist group LeT, faces numerous serious charges under Indian law, including criminal conspiracy, waging war against India, murder, forgery, and violations of the UAPA.
Sources indicated that the extradition process was meticulously supervised by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, along with high-ranking officials from the NIA and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Following his arrival, Rana is expected to be placed in a high-security section at Delhi's Tihar Jail and will be presented before a Delhi court.
