26/11 Attack Survivor Devika Rotawan Celebrates Rana's Extradition; Calls for Death Penalty
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Synopsis
Devika Rotawan, a survivor of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, expressed her relief and gratitude regarding the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key suspect. She urged for swift justice and demanded the death penalty for him, emphasizing the importance of accountability for terrorism.
Key Takeaways
- Devika Rotawan celebrates the extradition of Tahawwur Rana.
- She demands the death penalty for Rana.
- Rotawan emphasizes the importance of swift justice.
- She recalls her traumatic experience during the attacks.
- Rotawan supports government actions against terrorism.
Mumbai, April 9 (NationPress) Tahawwur Rana, a suspect in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks case, is being transported to India via a special aircraft after utilizing all legal avenues in the United States. Devika Rotawan, a survivor from the 26/11 attack at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and a crucial witness who recognized Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab, shared her gratitude and relief regarding this development, deeming it a monumental victory for India.
In a one-on-one interview with IANS, Devika Rotawan expressed her sentiments about Rana's extradition.
“I am extremely pleased that Tahawwur Rana is finally being brought to India. My first gratitude goes to both the Indian and US governments. This is a tremendous victory for us. I am overjoyed about this,” she stated.
Rotawan, who has consistently advocated for justice for the attack victims, reiterated her hopes for a prompt resolution of the case.
“With Tahawwur Rana now in custody, I expect information to be collected swiftly, and I demand that he is punished accordingly. He deserves the death penalty,” she asserted emphatically.
She further emphasized that such criminals will always face justice, regardless of where they flee.
“Many individuals who have harmed India have escaped abroad, but wherever they go, justice will ultimately catch up with them. They will pay for their deeds eventually,” Rotawan emphasized.
The survivor also commended the Indian government for its efforts in securing Rana's extradition after a long fight.
“I can see that the government is striving to expedite justice for the accused. Sixteen years have elapsed since 26/11, and now Rana is being brought to India. It may be late, but at least he is finally coming here. I am truly delighted about this,” she remarked.
Reflecting on the harrowing night of the attacks, Devika recounted her experience of those events.
“The night of 26/11 is something that will remain etched in my memory forever. I can never erase that night from my mind, nor do I wish to. To forget it would imply forgiving terrorism, and that is something I refuse to do,” she stated.
She continued, “That night, I was with my father and brother at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus when we crossed paths with Kasab. I witnessed him firing, and my father also saw him alongside Ismail. On June 10, 2009, my father and I identified Kasab in court.”
Rotawan, who suffered a bullet wound in her leg, vowed to support the legal process and expressed her readiness to appear in court again if required.
“I am always prepared to be present in court. I was ready then, and I remain ready now. Even if I am called upon tomorrow, I will be there,” she declared.
In addition to her calls for immediate justice, Rotawan urged the government to amplify its efforts against terrorism.
“I am very pleased with the government’s actions against terrorism. They aim to bring the terrorist to justice and punish him as soon as possible. There is no greater triumph than this. After that, we will feel that justice has been completely served. The officers who sacrificed their lives will receive the tribute they rightfully deserve,” she remarked.
Devika Rotawan also demanded the death penalty for Rana.
“I urge the government to impose punishment on him without delay. First, we need to gather intelligence on how many terrorists are still operating in Pakistan. The masterminds who remain there—who knows what schemes they might be plotting? We need to uncover everything. Afterward, Rana should be sentenced to death,” she concluded.
Following the rejection of Tahawwur Rana's petition by the US Supreme Court to halt his extradition to India, he is expected to arrive in the country soon, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) taking him into custody.
It remains uncertain whether he will be taken to Delhi or Mumbai. Nonetheless, sources indicate that he is likely to land in Mumbai, the site of the 26/11 attacks. The sources also noted that he will spend the initial weeks in NIA custody.
Rana is being extradited to India to face legal repercussions for his involvement in the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai that claimed the lives of 157 individuals.
