The US Supreme Court has dismissed a review petition filed by terror accused Tahawwur Rana, paving the way for his extradition to India in connection with the 2008 Mumbai attacks. This marks the final legal hurdle for Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, who has been accused of aiding the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)-backed attacks that killed 166 people and injured hundreds.
Rana, a former doctor and businessman, allegedly supported his childhood friend and co-conspirator, David Coleman Headley, by facilitating his reconnaissance activities in India. Headley used Rana’s immigration business as a front to scout potential attack sites, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, targeted during the 26/11 attacks.
Arrested by the FBI in Chicago in 2009, Rana was convicted in the US for supporting LeT but was acquitted on charges directly tied to the Mumbai attacks. India has been pursuing his extradition, citing his critical role in aiding and abetting the terror plot.
After losing legal battles in multiple US courts, including the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Rana filed a “petition for a writ of certiorari” with the US Supreme Court in November 2023. On January 25, 2025, the court rejected his petition, affirming his extradition.
A team from India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), comprising senior officials, is expected to travel to the US by the end of January to finalize the extradition process. The NIA has emphasized that Rana’s involvement with Headley and his support for LeT’s operations make him a key figure in the conspiracy.
Rana’s extradition is a significant step in India’s efforts to bring justice to the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks. The process has gained momentum with the Supreme Court’s ruling, and his return to India is expected soon.
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