Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, is set to arrive in India early tomorrow. A special team of intelligence and investigative officials is accompanying him. Sources confirmed that he is being flown on a special aircraft. The flight will halt at an undisclosed location before landing in New Delhi.
India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, is closely monitoring the operation. Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are also involved. Tight security has been arranged at two jails in Delhi and Mumbai. These jails have been selected as possible holding locations.
Rana’s Court Appearance
Once Rana lands in New Delhi, the NIA will take him into custody. He will appear before a special NIA court soon after his arrival. Later, Mumbai’s Crime Branch is expected to get his custody. Rana will likely remain with the NIA for the initial weeks.
Background of the Accused
Tahawwur Rana is a Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman. He has deep links with the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He is known to have assisted David Coleman Headley, another 26/11 accused. Headley scouted Mumbai targets before the attacks. Rana helped him by arranging travel documents.
In November 2008, Rana traveled to Mumbai himself. He stayed at Hotel Renaissance in Powai between November 11 and 21. Investigators believe he reviewed plans for the upcoming terror strike during his stay.
The 26/11 Mumbai Attacks
The attacks began on November 26, 2008, and lasted four days. Over 170 people lost their lives. The city was under siege. Only one terrorist, Ajmal Kasab, was captured alive. He was later convicted and executed.
Rana’s involvement has long been a matter of friction between India and the US. India had formally requested his arrest back in June 2020. That request triggered the legal extradition process.
Legal Battle in the US
Rana fought his extradition in the US courts. His final legal option was denied recently. On April 4, the US Supreme Court rejected his plea. He had filed an emergency application to stop the extradition. Justice Elena Kagan denied his request twice — once in March and again in April.
Rana had claimed serious health issues. He said he suffered from an abdominal aortic aneurysm, Parkinson’s disease, and cognitive decline. He also feared he could be targeted in India due to religious bias.
Trump’s Statement on Extradition
In February 2025, US President Donald Trump confirmed Rana’s extradition. During a joint press briefing with Indian PM Narendra Modi, Trump said Rana would be sent to India. He assured that Rana would face justice for the 26/11 attacks.
Rana, now 64, remains in US custody at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Detention Center. But his arrival in India is now just hours away. His extradition marks a major step in India’s long fight for justice for the 26/11 victims. For the latest updates on government announcements, and breaking news, News Trendzs remains the world news site for reliable and up-to-date information.
