A recent development in the case of Tahawwur Rana, an accused individual in the Mumbai terror attacks, indicates that his extradition to India might be on the horizon. The US court's denial of his habeas corpus writ has cleared the path for his potential extradition, facilitating his trial for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
A recent ruling by a US court has rejected the habeas corpus writ submitted by Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian businessman of Pakistani origin. This decision has paved the way for US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to potentially issue a certification for Rana’s extradition to India. Rana is facing trial for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Nevertheless, Rana has taken action by filing an appeal against this court order and has requested a halt to his extradition process to India until his appeal is heard in the Ninth Circuit Court.
As for the US State Department’s stance on this matter, there has been no comment provided regarding whether Secretary Blinken has received a letter from Rana’s legal representative urging the denial of surrender certification. The Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the State Department, Vedant Patel, stated that the extradition process concerning Tahawwur Rana remains an ongoing and unresolved issue.
In response to inquiries, Patel emphasized Washington’s commitment to combatting terrorism on a global scale and reiterated the call for individuals linked to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, commonly referred to as the 26/11 attacks, to be held accountable and brought to justice.
During a State Department briefing, Patel addressed the situation, stating, “As you’ve mentioned, this is an ongoing extradition matter. Given its ongoing status, I am unable to provide specific commentary… I cannot comment on a pending extradition matter. The Department of Justice is likely better equipped to outline the precise steps necessary in an extradition process.”
Patel further emphasized, “What I can assert is our unwavering dedication to combatting terrorism worldwide, and we persistently advocate for the prosecution of those implicated in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.”
Tahawwur Rana was apprehended in the United States based on India’s request for his extradition, stemming from his alleged involvement in the Mumbai attacks that claimed the lives of more than 160 individuals, including six Americans.
Indian authorities assert that Rana collaborated with his childhood companion David Coleman Headley to aid the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba in orchestrating the aforementioned attacks.
