Tahawwur Rana, the Canadian businessman of Pakistani descent who stands accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been officially arrested by Indian authorities following extradition proceedings in the US. Following years of legal battles and diplomatic negotiations, Rana was brought back to India early this week where he will now stand trial with National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Ministry of Home Affairs sources announced on Tuesday that Rana was arrested upon arriving and is being detained at a high-security facility in New Delhi. His extradition marks an important step forward for India in seeking justice for the 26/11 attacks which claimed 166 lives and left hundreds injured.
Rana, who was closely connected to David Coleman Headley – one of the key conspirators behind the Mumbai attacks – has long been accused of helping facilitate his reconnaissance missions into India under cover of business operations. According to NIA charges sheet, Rana provided logistical and financial support that assisted Lashkar-e-Taiba members in planning for and carrying out an assault.
“His presence in India will enable the legal system to move forward with their long-pending case against him,” stated an NIA official. “We have solid evidence linking him to the conspiracy behind Mumbai attacks.”
Rana had been fighting extradition to India ever since being arrested in Los Angeles in 2020. While previously serving time for terror plotting against Danish newspapers, American courts recently decided in his favor. Under bilateral treaty provisions he will now be extradited back to India.
Legal experts believe Rana’s trial could also strengthen India’s case against other suspects connected with the attacks, including masterminds from Pakistan.
Families of the 26/11 victims hailed the move, noting they had long awaited justice from those responsible. “His extradition is an important step toward accountability.”
In the coming days, NIA officials plan on presenting Rana before a special court where formal charges will be read aloud and trial proceedings initiated.