The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday hailed the decision by the US Supreme Court to extradite Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. The BJP termed this development as a significant milestone in the fight against terrorism and credited the Modi government’s resolve for making it possible.
Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-American businessman with ties to Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist David Coleman Headley, was implicated in the Mumbai attacks that claimed 166 lives, including six Americans. The attacks, which took place over four harrowing days in November 2008, targeted prominent locations in Mumbai and are remembered as one of the most devastating terror strikes in Indian history.
BJP spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi expressed his satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s decision. “This is undoubtedly a matter of satisfaction for every Indian, particularly for the families of those who lost their lives in the 26/11 attacks. The extradition of Tahawwur Rana symbolizes the strong willpower of the Modi government in its fight against terrorism,” Trivedi said.
Critique of AAP
During his statement, Trivedi took the opportunity to criticize the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accusing the party of having ties with organizations that allegedly undermine India’s efforts to combat terrorism. “Many organizations and NGOs associated with the AAP try to find ways to save terror accused,” he claimed.
He also alleged that AAP Chief Minister Atishi’s family members had signed a mercy petition for Afzal Guru, the 2001 Parliament attack convict. This remark follows a September 2024 statement by AAP MP Swati Maliwal accusing Atishi’s parents of seeking clemency for Guru. AAP Chief Whip Dilip Pandey had dismissed Maliwal’s allegations, calling them politically motivated.
The AAP has yet to issue a response to Trivedi’s fresh allegations.
Rana’s Legal Battle
The US District Court initially ordered Rana’s extradition in May 2023. After losing multiple appeals, including before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, Rana filed a petition with the US Supreme Court on November 13, 2024, seeking to prevent his extradition. However, the Supreme Court rejected his petition on January 21, clearing the path for his transfer to India.
Rana’s extradition marks a crucial step in bringing justice to the victims of the Mumbai attacks, which had paralyzed the city with a 60-hour siege.
The BJP emphasized that this decision sends a strong message about India’s resolve to hold terrorists accountable. “This achievement underlines the determination of the Modi government to pursue justice relentlessly and strengthen India’s position in the global fight against terrorism,” Trivedi concluded.
Sources By Agencies
