Tahawwur Rana's Extradition to India Cleared: A Key Breakthrough in 26/11 Case

Mumbai, India: In a significant move, the US Supreme Court has dismissed a review petition by Tahawwur Rana, paving the way for his extradition to India. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is wanted for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that left 166 people dead, including six Americans.

Rana had filed a final petition in November 2024, arguing that extraditing him would violate the principle of double jeopardy, as he was acquitted of similar charges in a Chicago federal court. However, US Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar urged the Supreme Court to reject the plea, and the extradition was ultimately cleared.

Rana is closely associated with David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks. Headley's reconnaissance of potential targets in Mumbai proved critical for the attackers. Rana, a former Pakistani Army doctor who later became a businessman in Canada, owned the First World Immigration Services with offices in Chicago.

The 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks saw 10 Pakistani terrorists lay siege to vital locations across the city, including the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, CST railway station, and Nariman House. The assaults lasted over 60 hours, resulting in widespread devastation and global condemnation.

With his extradition now imminent, this development marks a crucial step in India's efforts to hold perpetrators of the 26/11 attacks accountable.