NEW DELHI: US secretary of state Marco Rubio, on Friday, said that he is glad that, together with India, the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, who is one of the key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai 2008 attack, took place.
“We extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face charges for his role in planning the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. Together, with India, we’ve long sought justice for the 166 people, including 6 Americans, who lost their lives in these attacks. I’m glad that day has come,” Rubio posted on X.
According to a statement released by the US Department of Justice, Rana allegedly told Headley after the attacks that the Indians “deserved it” and praised the nine Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists who died during the assault, suggesting they should be awarded Pakistan’s highest military honour, the Nishan-e-Haider. These statements were reportedly captured during intercepted conversations between the two.
Rana faces trial for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that claimed 166 lives. Rana, a former Pakistan Army medical corps officer turned immigration consultant, is accused of facilitating the attacks by providing logistical support to his childhood friend and co-conspirator, David Coleman Headley.
The National Investigation Agency has said accused Tahawwur Rana planned several other plots similar to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to target multiple Indian cities. “His (Rana) prolonged custody has been deemed necessary to facilitate an extensive interrogation aimed at uncovering deeper layers of the conspiracy. We suspect that the tactics used in the Mumbai attacks were intended for execution in other cities as well, prompting investigators to examine whether similar plots were developed elsewhere,” the NIA is believed to have informed the judge, a source said.
Rana was brought to the court in a cavalcade including a jail van, an armoured SWAT vehicle and an ambulance.
NIA authorities arrived in India on Thursday with Rana, following completion of necessary legal procedures in the US.
This development occurred after Rana’s final attempt to avoid extradition failed when the US Supreme Court denied his application. The 64-year-old was previously held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Los Angeles.
