- By Raju Kumar
- Wed, 09 Apr 2025 03:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Tahawwur Rana's Extradition: As the US Supreme Court rejected terror accused Tahawwur Rana's plea seeking extradition stay, he is set to be handed over to India. According to reports, Rana is being extradited from the United States in connection with a conspiracy case registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2009 related to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. A case of criminal conspiracy against Rana was originally lodged by the NIA in Delhi following the deadly November 2008 attacks in which over 174 people were killed.
Who Is Tahawwur Rana?
Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was convicted in the US for the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives and providing material support to the group responsible for the Mumbai attacks that killed over 174 people.
What Mumbai Police Said On Extradition of Rana
Mumbai Police on Wednesday said that any decision on taking custody of the 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana will depend on the specific grounds outlined in the extradition order once he is brought to India.
The ongoing extradition process pertains to that case. However, officials clarified that it is yet to be determined whether Mumbai Police can seek his custody for any local investigation linked to the attacks.
"Only after examining the grounds of extradition will it be clear whether custody can be sought by the Mumbai Crime Branch in this matter," sources said.
Sources added that the Mumbai Police has not received any formal communication so far regarding Rana's transfer to the city for questioning or judicial proceedings. Now, the question is what will happen when Rana lands in India.
Here, we listed a probable legal procedures he has to undergo
Formal Arrest And Custody: Once Rana arrives in India, he will be formally arrested by Indian authorities and produced before a court (likely in the Patiala House special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court) within 24 hours of arrival. After that he could be sent either to judicial custody or NIA remand for interrogation.
Investigation by NIA: The NIA will intensify the investigation in his role in the Mumbai terror attack case. The probe officials will interrogate him regarding his alleged role in the terror attacks, particularly for links to David Headley and Lashkar-e-Taiba to collect further evidence or corroborate existing findings.
Trial Proceedings: Once the investigation concludes, a chargesheet (if not already filed against him specifically) will be submitted to the court. Rana is likely to undergo trial under Indian anti-terrorism laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the BNS.
Witness Examination: The trial may involve the re-examination of earlier witnesses and the deposition of David Headley (currently imprisoned in the US), possibly via video conference.
(With agencies inputs)