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Who is Tahawwur Rana, Key Accused in 26/11 Mumbai Attacks, Extradited from the US Today?

First Published: 10th April, 2025 21:46 IST

Tahawwur Rana's extradition was confirmed in February this year when US President Donald Trump announced he would be handed over to India.

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, Pakistan-born Canadian national and a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that left 166 people dead is in New Delhi after 17 years. This marks a big diplomatic and legal breakthrough for India and a big win in the nation’s quest for justice for all those dead and the 238 injured or left crippled for life in one of the worst terror attacks on Indian soil.
Tahawwur Rana’s extradition was confirmed in February this year when US President Donald Trump announced he would be handed over to India.
Rana’s extradition came after his last-ditch appeal was rejected by the US Supreme Court, paving the way for his transfer to Indian authorities.

What is the case against Tahawwur Rana?

Tahawwur Rana is accused of helping co-conspirator David Coleman Headley in reconnaissance and planning operations and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the devastating terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008.
Both LeT and HUJI have been declared as terrorist organisations by the Government of India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

What NIA Said About Rana’s Extradition?

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday successfully secured the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind of the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem to justice.

Rana was being held in judicial custody in the US pursuant to proceedings initiated under the India-US Extradition Treaty for his extradition. The extradition finally came through after Rana exhausted all legal avenues to stay the move.

The District Court for the Central District of California had ordered his extradition on 16th May 2023. Rana then filed multiple litigations in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, all of which were rejected. He subsequently filed a petition for a writ of certiorari, two habeas petitions, and an emergency application before the U.S. Supreme Court, which were also denied. The extradition proceedings were initiated between the two countries after India eventually secured a surrender warrant for the wanted terrorist from the US government.

With the active assistance of USDoJ, the US Sky Marshal, NIA worked closely with other Indian intelligence agencies, NSG through the entire extradition process, which also saw India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs coordinating with the other relevant authorities in the United States to take the matter to its successful conclusion.
According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Rana played a significant support role in the planning and execution of the 26/11 attacks. Key allegations include:
• Helping Headley obtain a visa for India, despite his known terror affiliations.
• Allowing Headley to use his business as a front to establish a branch in Mumbai, called Immigrant Law Centre, which served as a cover for scouting potential targets.
• Facilitating and funding Headley’s multiple reconnaissance trips to India between 2006 and 2008. During these trips, Headley visited key sites later attacked — including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Chabad House, and CST railway station.
• Visiting several Indian cities himself, including Delhi, Agra, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai — in some cases with his wife — in the weeks leading up to the attacks.
• According to investigators, Rana had full knowledge of Headley’s mission and was in frequent telephonic contact with him during his stays in India — over 200 phone calls have been cited as evidence.
• Officials say Rana was also in touch with Major Iqbal, an alleged ISI handler, who was named as one of the masterminds behind the attack, The Times of India reported.

Who Are the Lawyers Who Will Fight the Case?

Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan, who spearheaded India’s case to extradite Rana in the United States Supreme Court, will now lead the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) prosecution in Delhi. Krishnan, involved with the extradition process since 2010, will work alongside Special Prosecutor Narender Mann, an experienced criminal lawyer who previously represented the Central Bureau of Investigation at the Delhi High Court.
Additional legal representatives include advocates Sanjeevi Sheshadri and Sridhar Kale, along with NIA counsel, according to sources.

How was Rana brought to India?

The extradition operation was executed using a Gulfstream G550 — a super mid-size, ultra-long-range business jet, known for its luxurious interiors and high-end amenities. The aircraft was hired from a Vienna-based charter service.
The jet took off from Miami, Florida at 2.15 am local time on Wednesday (11.45 am IST). It landed in Bucharest, Romania, at 7.00 pm local time (9.30 pm IST) the same day, India Today report said.
The flight then halted in the Romanian capital for nearly 11 hours, before resuming the final leg of its journey.
At 6.15 am local time (8.45 am IST) on Thursday, the Gulfstream departed Bucharest and headed directly for New Delhi, where it landed under tight security.
Built in 2013, the Gulfstream G550 features a plush cabin that can accommodate up to 19 passengers, with 9 divan seats and 6 beds. The aircraft, known for its distinctive oval windows, boasts of spacious interiors and an exceptional ultra-long range. It also offers wireless internet, satellite phone connectivity, and an advanced in-flight entertainment system.