Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, was extradited from the United States and brought to India on Thursday by a special chartered plane. A joint team of Indian investigators escorted the 64-year-old Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin to Delhi, where he was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Rana is accused of helping Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorist David Headley by providing him with logistical support, including a visa, through his Chicago-based immigration company. Headley used this help to conduct surveillance ahead of the deadly attacks that left 166 people dead and over 230 injured in Mumbai.
Upon arrival at Delhi’s Palam Airport around 2:50 PM, Rana underwent a medical check and was then taken under high security to the Patiala House Courts Complex. The NIA produced him before a special court, which reserved its decision on a plea seeking 20-day custody for questioning.
Rana had been held in a US detention center after finishing a 14-year jail term. His extradition followed years of legal challenges that ended in rejection by all US courts, including the Supreme Court.
The US District Court approved his extradition in May 2023. India secured the extradition with help from multiple agencies including the NIA, US Department of Justice, US Sky Marshals, and India’s Ministries of External and Home Affairs.
Before moving to North America, Rana served in the Pakistan Army’s medical corps. He later moved to Canada, then to the US, where he set up an immigration firm that allegedly supported Headley’s missions in Mumbai.
Officials believe Rana’s interrogation could reveal more about the role of Pakistani state actors in the 26/11 attacks.
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