Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has approached the US Supreme Court for an emergency stay on his extradition to India, arguing that he faces the risk of torture and death if sent back. His plea comes after the US administration, under former President Donald Trump, approved his extradition during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.
Claims of Health Issues and Torture Risk
In his petition, Rana contended that his identity as a Muslim of Pakistani origin and a former member of the Pakistani Army makes him vulnerable to mistreatment in India. He further cited his poor health conditions, including a 3.5 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm, Parkinson’s disease, and possible bladder cancer, arguing that he could die in Indian custody.
Rana described being sent to India as akin to being thrown into a “hornet’s nest”, claiming that the Indian government is becoming increasingly autocratic and cited the Human Rights Watch 2023 World Report, which alleges discrimination against religious minorities, particularly Muslims.
Link to the 26/11 Attacks
Tahawwur Rana is a known associate of David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani-American terrorist who played a crucial role in planning the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Headley had testified against Rana in a US court, stating that he had conducted reconnaissance in India multiple times between 2007 and 2008 in preparation for the attacks.
Rana, a businessman, physician, and immigration entrepreneur, allegedly has ties to terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI. While a US court acquitted him in 2011 of charges related to the Mumbai attacks, he was convicted for providing material support to LeT and assisting in a terror plot in Denmark.
US Supreme Court Rejects Review Petition
Despite his legal maneuvers, the US Supreme Court recently rejected his review petition, clearing the way for his extradition. During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Modi, former US President Donald Trump had confirmed the approval of Rana’s extradition, calling him “one of the very evil people of the world” involved in the Mumbai attacks.
The 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks
On November 26, 2008, Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists launched coordinated attacks in Mumbai, targeting Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Taj Mahal Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, Nariman House, and other locations. The attacks killed 166 people, including 20 security personnel and 26 foreign nationals.
Rana’s extradition remains a significant point of contention between India and the US, with India seeking to bring him to justice for his alleged role in one of the deadliest terror attacks in the country’s history.
Sources By Agencies
