New Delhi, April 10, 2025: In a landmark development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has successfully extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key conspirator behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, from the United States. The extradition comes after years of persistent diplomatic and legal efforts by Indian authorities.
Rana, who had been held in US judicial custody, had fought his extradition through every available legal channel. His appeals in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and multiple petitions to the US Supreme Court were ultimately rejected, clearing the way for his transfer to India.
The District Court for the Central District of California had first ordered Rana’s extradition in May 2023. Following that, India secured a surrender warrant, initiating coordination between the NIA, the US Department of Justice, Indian intelligence agencies, and the Ministry of External Affairs to finalize the process.
Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley, operatives of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI), and other Pakistan-based extremists to plan and execute the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people and injured more than 238. LeT and HUJI are designated terrorist organizations under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The extradition marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of justice for the victims of one of the deadliest terror attacks on Indian soil.
