India has taken custody of 64-year-old Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin accused of aiding the 2008 Mumbai attacks. After prolonged court proceedings, the United States extradited Rana, and he arrived in Delhi under tight security on Thursday evening.
Authorities say Rana helped Lashkar-e-Taiba carry out the deadly assault by assisting his childhood friend David Headley with logistical support. Headly had opened a Mumbai office for Rana´s Chicago-based immigration business, allegedly using it as cover to scout targets.
On November 26, 2008, ten armed men arrived by sea and launched coordinated attacks across Mumbai, killing 166 people and injuring hundreds. The militants struck key locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel CST railway station and a Jewish centre.
Nine attackers were killed during intense operations by Indian security forces, while Ajmal Kasab was executed in 2012 after a trial. The tragedy is remembered as one of India´s darkest days and is often compared to 9/11.
Rana was arrested upon arrival by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which plans to interrogate him extensively to uncover the whole conspiracy. On Friday, the agency confirmed it would press charges, including terrorism, conspiracy and waging war against India.
The US approved extradition in 2023 after multiple legal hurdles. Rana had earlier been convicted in the US for supporting Lashkar-e-Taiba and served seven years of a 14-year sentence before being released on health grounds.
He was re-arrested following India´s formal extradition request. President Donald Trump authorized the move earlier this year after consulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The US Supreme Court later denied Rana´s appeal to block extradition.
Indian authorities have appointed top prosecutor Narendra Mann to lead the case. Rana has not issued any public statements, nor have his lawyers commented on the charges. With Tahawwur Rana extradited to India, the country moves one step closer to holding all conspirators of the 2008 attack accountable.
