The US Supreme Court has cleared the way for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, to India. India has been seeking Rana’s extradition for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana is currently detained in Los Angeles, awaiting his transfer. His last legal attempt—a petition for a writ of certiorari filed in November 2024—was denied by the Supreme Court, marking the culmination of his prolonged legal battle. This development is a major step for India in prosecuting individuals tied to the devastating attacks that left 166 people dead.
Rana’s connection to the attacks stems from his association with David Headley, who played a key role in reconnaissance for the Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives. Rana, who owned an immigration consultancy in Chicago, provided logistical support that enabled Headley to operate covertly. While Rana was convicted in the US in 2011 for providing material support to LeT, he was acquitted of direct involvement in the Mumbai attacks. However, India has been building a strong case against him, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) naming him in a chargesheet and seeking his extradition since 2011. Recent diplomatic discussions have focused on the logistical and legal framework required to transfer Rana to Indian custody.
The extradition approval follows years of complex legal proceedings in US courts, including the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upholding lower court rulings that found sufficient evidence against Rana. This decision marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to bring justice for the victims of 26/11. Once extradited, Rana is expected to face trial in India, where the NIA has prepared a comprehensive case detailing his alleged role in aiding the attackers.
