Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, is finally being extradited to India after a prolonged legal battle in the United States. The 64-year-old is being flown in a special aircraft and is expected to land in India by Thursday. Once on Indian soil, he will be presented before a Delhi court under the charges filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). These charges relate to his alleged role in assisting David Headley—another co-conspirator—in surveying attack locations and facilitating Lashkar-e-Taiba’s operations, which led to the horrific Mumbai carnage claiming 166 lives.

According to investigative findings, Rana played a crucial role by providing logistic and financial support to David Headley. The duo used a fake front—Immigrant Law Centre—in Mumbai to camouflage their espionage activities. The NIA chargesheet alleges that Rana, Headley, and other co-conspirators including LeT founder Hafiz Saeed, held detailed planning sessions for the attacks. Locations like Chabad Houses and the National Defence College were also under consideration for coordinated terror strikes. Rana’s involvement extended to traveling across Indian cities and setting up necessary infrastructure to execute the deadly plans.

Rana’s arrest dates back to October 2009 after Headley was apprehended by the FBI in Chicago. While Headley later turned approver and accepted all charges under a plea deal, Rana refused to plead guilty, which paved the way for his extradition. Currently, he faces charges under Indian Penal Code sections for waging war against the nation, criminal conspiracy, murder, forgery, and provisions under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. With his arrival imminent, security agencies in India are preparing for high-level court proceedings that could unearth further international links to one of India’s darkest terror episodes.