Mumbai (Maharashtra), April 9 (ANI) — The Mumbai Police stated on Wednesday that their ability to take custody of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, hinges on the specific terms outlined in the US extradition order. Until then, they cannot confirm whether local law enforcement will have access to question him directly.
Extradition Based on NIA Case
Rana is being extradited from the United States based on a 2009 conspiracy case registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which killed over 174 people. The case, lodged in Delhi, accuses Rana of providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives.
“Only after examining the grounds of extradition will it be clear whether custody can be sought by the Mumbai Crime Branch,” police sources clarified.
While there is strong interest from Mumbai authorities in interrogating Rana, particularly regarding local aspects of the 26/11 plot, they have not yet received any formal communication about his possible transfer to Mumbai.
Rana’s Background & Conviction
Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was previously convicted in the United States for supporting LeT, the terrorist group responsible for orchestrating the attacks in Mumbai. His extradition process has been under scrutiny due to both legal and humanitarian concerns.
He had appealed to the US Supreme Court for a stay on his extradition, citing deteriorating health — including Parkinson’s disease, a life-threatening aortic aneurysm, and a suspected bladder tumor. However, on April 7, 2025, the US Supreme Court rejected his request, clearing the way for his extradition to India.
India’s Response
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed the US court’s decision while speaking at the News 18 Rising Bharat Summit 2025:
“There’s nothing really new that I can say on the Tahawwur Rana issue. Obviously, we welcome the decision of the American legal process.”
The Indian government has long maintained that bringing Rana to justice is crucial for the full accountability of those involved in the 26/11 attacks.
What’s Next?
The actual timeline for his extradition remains under wraps due to legal and logistical complexities. Once Rana is in India, the scope of interrogation, trial proceedings, and agency jurisdiction (NIA vs. Mumbai Police) will depend heavily on the extradition treaty clauses and diplomatic assurances provided during the process.
This extradition could be a landmark moment in India’s pursuit of justice for the 26/11 victims, but how far Rana’s role and knowledge can be leveraged will become clearer only once he arrives on Indian soil.
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