Tahawwur Rana, 26/11 Attacks Co-Conspirator, Extradited to India for Trial

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks co-conspirator, is back in India. He is expected to land in New Delhi around 12 noon on Thursday. After arriving, Rana will likely be taken to Tihar Jail, which is a high-security prison.

To ensure safety, security around the Patiala House Court in Delhi has been increased. Police and special forces have been stationed there, and they’re carefully checking everyone entering the area. Tihar Jail officials have also made special arrangements for Rana’s stay in a secure section of the jail.

Indian authorities are preparing for an intense questioning session with Rana. Important officials, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, met recently to create a security plan for Rana’s arrival. The court proceedings for Rana might be conducted privately due to safety concerns because of the high-profile nature of the case.

Rana has already been questioned multiple times, and officials believe he may try to mislead them during the new investigation, which could be a long process. A special team, including officers from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and experts in criminology, will question him. Their goal is to expose the key figures behind the attacks.

Rana’s return became official after the US Supreme Court denied his last appeal against extradition. His situation changed from being in US custody to being transported to India. It was reported that the Indian authorities assured the US that Rana’s rights and prison conditions would meet international standards before his extradition was approved.

Now that he is back, Indian agencies want to learn more about connections between the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistan’s intelligence services. They hope Rana can provide information about notable leaders linked to the attacks, many of whom are still free in Pakistan.

Tahawwur Rana, 64, is originally from Pakistan but has Canadian citizenship. He is known to be close friends with David Coleman Headley, a key figure behind the Mumbai attacks.

Additionally, India has appointed a special lawyer, Narender Mann, to handle Rana’s trial. His role will include overseeing the case in the NIA Special Courts and ensuring the legal process runs smoothly.