Tahawwur Rana, 26/11 mastermind brought to India from US

In a major development in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case, Tahawwur Rana, one of the key accused, has been extradited from the United States to India. A special flight carrying Rana landed at the Palam airport in Delhi, marking a diplomatic and legal victory for India’s investigation agencies.

Following his arrival, security has been significantly heightened outside the Patiala House Court, where he is likely to be produced on Thursday. Personnel from paramilitary forces and the Delhi Police have been deployed in and around the court complex to ensure there are no security breaches.

All visitors are being thoroughly frisked and checked before entering the premises. An NIA (National Investigation Agency) judge is expected to take up the matter in court. Rana will likely be remanded for further interrogation.

Tahawwur Rana is accused of helping orchestrate the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which claimed the lives of over 170 people and injured hundreds. He is believed to have links with Lashkar-e-Taiba and David Coleman Headley, another co-accused in the case.

Rana's extradition has been a long-standing demand by Indian authorities. He had been fighting extradition in the US for several years, but a California court cleared the process in 2023, recognizing India's charges against him as valid under the extradition treaty.

This extradition marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of justice for the victims of the 26/11 attacks. Legal proceedings are expected to gather momentum following his arrival and appearance in the Indian court.