India working with US for 'early extradition' of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana: MEA

NEW DELHI: India is working with the United States on procedural formalities for the early extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attack's key suspect Tahawwur Rana, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said on Friday.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the US Supreme Court had declined Rana’s petition on January 21, 2025, removing a key legal hurdle in the extradition process. "We are now working with the US side on procedural issues for the early extradition of the accused in the Mumbai terror attack to India," he said.

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Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, is accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people, including six Americans. He has been linked to Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, a key conspirator in the attacks. India had requested his extradition from the US, a move that was supported by the US government. However, Rana repeatedly challenged the decision in American courts.

His appeals against extradition were rejected by lower courts, and in August 2023, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the India-US Extradition Treaty allowed for his extradition. Rana then filed a petition with the US Supreme Court to block the decision. The US Solicitor General urged the court to reject his plea, reinforcing the US government's stance in favor of India's extradition request.

On January 25, the US Supreme Court denied Rana’s final petition, effectively clearing the way for his extradition to India. With this ruling, Rana is now set face trial in India.

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