News Brief
U.S. Court Approves India's Extradition Request For 26/11 Attacks Accused Tahawwur Rana
File photo of Tahawwur Rana
A U.S. court has authorized the extradition of Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana to India, in response to India's request through the U.S. government. He is wanted for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack.
India requested the provisional arrest of 62-year-old Rana for extradition on June 10, 2020. The Biden Administration supported and approved India's request.
Judge Jacqueline Chooljian from the U.S. District Court Central District of California released a 48-page court order on May 17, stating that she has reviewed all documents presented for and against a request and considered the arguments presented at the hearing.
The judge certified to the Secretary of State of the United States the extraditability of Rana on the charged offenses discussed in the review.
The NIA continues to investigate his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks by LeT terrorists. It seeks to bring him to India via diplomatic channels.
US government attorneys stated during court hearings that Rana knew about his childhood friend, David Headley's involvement with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and aided him with cover, thus supporting the terrorist organization and its associates.
Rana was knowledgeable of Headley's meetings, attack planning, and target selection. The U.S. government accused Rana of being part of the conspiracy and having probable cause to believe he committed a terrorist act.
Rana's lawyer objected to extradition.
10 Pakistani terrorists attacked and killed people across Mumbai during the 2008 terror attacks, resulting in 166 casualties. The siege lasted for more than 60 hours.
US federal prosecutors stated that members of the conspiracy either caused death with intentional actions or knowledge of imminent danger.
The US-India extradition treaty supports the judge's decision to extradite Rana to India, as it falls under the treaty's jurisdiction.
Rana has been charged with several offenses by India, according to the judge, and the US is proceeding on those charges. These include conspiracy to commit war, murder, forgery, and terrorist acts, as well as waging war, committing murder and terrorism, and conspiring to commit acts of terrorism. An arrest warrant has been issued for Rana in India.
The judge ruled that there is enough evidence to establish probable cause that Rana committed the crimes for which India is seeking extradition, and that Rana is the charged individual involved in this matter.
The judge has also ruled that Tahawwur Hussain Rana is to be kept in the custody of the US Marshal until a final decision is made regarding his extradition and surrender, by US Secretary of State, to India for trial.
This is in accordance with Title 18, United States Code, section 3186 and the Treaty, which have granted extradition for the offences.
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