WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected a plea to stay the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
The decision paves the way for Rana to be extradited to India for the attacks that killed more than 170 people. The attack, carried out by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, has raised the possibility of the accused, including Rana, being tried under the Indian justice system.
Background of the case
Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian businessman, was convicted by a U.S. court in 2011 for providing assistance to Lashkar-e-Taiba. However, he was cleared of direct involvement in the Mumbai attacks. Indian authorities, however, have accused him of being involved in the planning of the 26/11 attacks and have sought his extradition.
The four-day attack targeted the Taj Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminals and a Jewish center in Mumbai. The attacks killed 166 people, including six Americans.
Rana's moves to avoid extradition
In 2020, a US district court granted permission to extradite Rana to India. His legal team argued that he would face an unfair trial in India. Several appeals were filed. However, the court found that the current evidence was sufficient under the India-US extradition treaty.
The Supreme Court's decision was a major setback for Rana. Indian authorities no longer have any obstacles to extradite Tahavur Rana to India
India's response and follow-up
Indian authorities have welcomed the decision. It is seen as an important step towards justice for the victims of the 26/11 attacks.
India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has accused Rana of providing logistical support to the attackers, including travel arrangements and communication facilities.
If Rana is extradited, he will become one of the few accused in the Mumbai attacks to be tried in India.
Ajmal Kasab, who was caught alive in the attack, was hanged in 2012. Although Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed and operations commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi live in Pakistan, Pakistan has been reluctant to take action against them.
Significance of the decision
The decision is seen as a support for the US's fight against terrorism and international legal cooperation. It also indicates that India-US law enforcement cooperation will strengthen to defeat terrorism.
Rana's trial will provide long-awaited justice to the families of the victims of the Mumbai attacks. However, legal experts say that the process is likely to be delayed due to further appeals or political interference.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court's rejection of Tahawwur Rana's extradition plea marks a major turning point in the long legal battle in the 26/11 case. It is worth noting that when Rana is tried in an Indian court, there is no doubt that the families of the victims will get justice.
