Opinion | Extradition of Tahawwur Rana

This development highlights the continued international cooperation in the fight against terrorism and is a major milestone in India’s quest for justice for the victims of the 26/11 atrocities.

Tahawwur Hussain Rana is a Pakistani-born Canadian businessman who has been accused of involvement in the 26 November 2008 Mumbai terror attack. He was a former doctor and immigration consultant. He was arrested in the United States in 2009 for allegedly supporting the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, which perpetrated the attacks. David Coleman Hadley, the Pakistani American terrorist who studied potential sites for the 166-person assaults, including six Americans, was close to Rana. The attack was carried out at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Oberoi Trident Hotel, the CST Railway Station, and Nariman House. There were 10 Pakistani terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba, where 166 people lost their lives and 300 suffered injuries. Pakistan has denied involvement in the attacks but failed to prosecute the key masterminds of the attack, including Hafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. The extradition reinforces the necessity for Pakistan to take action against terrorism and bolsters India’s position in international fora. Later on, Ajmal Kasab, one of the terrorists, was captured and later executed in 2012. According to Indian investigators, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India, Rana assisted Headley by giving him anonymity through his immigration company, which he used to arrange travel and spying. Rana was convicted in the U.S. in 2011 for backing an alternative plot which was to attack a Danish newspaper that had published cartoons of Prophet Muhammad. However, he was exonerated of direct involvement in the Mumbai attacks. Rana was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2013 however, he was released early in 2021 for his good behaviour.
Throughout these years, India has been pushing the U.S. for Rana’s extradition to stand trial for his alleged role in the 26/11 attacks. In 2023, a court in the U.S. approved his extradition; however, in January 2025, the Supreme Court of the U.S. overruled his appeal, preparing the way for his extradition to India. Rana, however, has been arguing against his extradition to India, claiming that he could face torture in India, however, the legal process has approached its conclusion. Following that, in a news conference with the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, President Donald Trump declared that Rana’s extradition had been approved. In the next course of action, the U.S. government’s executive and legal branches have approved the extradition, and authorities are working with Indian officials to complete the transfer. The decision is being applauded as a pivotal success in India’s fight against terrorism. Survivors and victims’ families have welcomed the move, with Devika Natwarlal Rotawan, a survivor who testified against the attackers, saying, “I am very happy that he will be extradited to India. I want him to be brought here as soon as possible.” Legal experts view the supreme court’s ruling as a significant step towards bringing the 26/11 assaults to justice. “We can now look forward to bringing Rana to India for trial, where he will face justice just as the others involved in the 26/11 attacks have”, said Siddharth Luthra, a senior.
Rana is now presumed to be charged with aiding and abetting the 2008 Mumbai attacks when he arrives in India.
This development highlights the continued international cooperation in the fight against terrorism and is a major milestone in India’s quest for justice for the victims of the 26/11 atrocities. In conclusion, this decision is not just about legal justice but also about emotional closure. Natwarlal Rotawan, whose daughter Devika was injured in the attacks, expressed his hope for prompt action. “He should be brought to India as soon as possible, I demand the harshest punishment for him.”Rana is now expected to stand trial in an Indian court under laws related to terrorism, conspiracy, and conducting hostilities against the nation. If convicted, he is expected to face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
The Writer is a college student and can be reached at muskaanrafiq173@gmail.com