Mumbai terror attacks: Tahawwur Rana in Indian lockup, sent to 18-day NIA custody

NEW DELHI: Tahawwur Rana, the mastermind behind the Mumbai terror attacks that killed 66 people, has been extradited to India from the United States. He was brought to Delhi airport yesterday, where the NIA (National Investigation Agency) formally arrested him. After interrogation by the NIA, he was presented at Patiala House Court around 10:30 PM and was sent to NIA custody by around 2 AM. The court granted 18 days of custody. An unusual late-night sitting was held for the hearing, which continued until midnight. The NIA had requested 20 days of custody. Heavy security was deployed both inside and outside the court premises by the Delhi Police. The hearing lasted for about an hour and a half. Rana, aged 64, is a Pakistani-Canadian citizen. The terror attack took place on November 16, 2008.

Rana was flown in from the U.S. on a special flight that arrived around noon under heavy security and landed in the technical area of the Delhi airport. After formally registering his arrest, the NIA questioned him until late evening. Rana, who suffers from serious health issues, was taken to court following a medical examination. A photo showing him dressed in a brown kurta being escorted by NIA officers has surfaced.

High security was deployed at the Delhi airport and around the Patiala court in connection with Rana’s arrival. Following reports that he might be taken to the NIA headquarters, Gate 2 of the nearby Jawaharlal Nehru Metro Station was temporarily closed and public access was restricted in the area.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has stated that Rana is a Canadian citizen and has not renewed his Pakistani citizenship for over two decades. He was escorted by top officials from the NSG and NIA, along with U.S. Justice Department personnel and U.S. Sky Marshals, on the special flight from Los Angeles.

Extradition efforts since 2010
Rana was arrested in the U.S. on October 18, 2008, for planning a terrorist attack in Denmark in 2005. Since 2010, India has been making efforts to secure his extradition. In 2011, a U.S. court acquitted him in the case concerning the deaths of six U.S. nationals in the Mumbai attacks. However, key disclosures from prime accused David Coleman Headley pointed to Rana’s involvement. In 2023, a U.S. court approved India’s extradition request, and the U.S. Supreme Court later rejected Rana’s appeal. The decision to extradite him was also part of discussions between Prime Minister Modi and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Charges against Rana

• Aiding David Coleman Headley, the main accused and a Pakistani-American terrorist, in carrying out the attacks
• Conspiracy to commit terrorist acts, waging war against India, murder, forging documents, and other illegal activities

Legal representation
Dayan Krishnan, a prominent advocate who has represented India in Rana’s U.S. legal proceedings since 2010, will appear on behalf of the NIA. The prosecution team will also include Special Prosecutor Narender Mann, and lawyers Sanjeev Sheshadri and Sridhar Kale. As per the assurance given to the U.S., Rana will be provided legal representation in India.