Tahawwur Rana Extradition Live Updates: 'Long sought justice for 166 people, including 6 Americans,' says US on Tahawwur Rana extradition

"It is a huge achievement... David Headly and Tahawwur Rana were involved with Pakistan's ISI... In the coming times, our agencies will carry out an investigation and find out how the ISI network was working in India to weaken India..," he said.

"This is a welcome development. Everybody, all political parties are on the same page as far as national security is concerned... And we welcome the extradition of Rana to India and hope he'll face the full force of the Indian law and be, punished accordingly," he said.

"We extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face charges for his role in planning the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. Together, with India, we've long sought justice for the 166 people, including 6 Americans, who lost their lives in these attacks. I'm glad that day has come," he said.

Maharashtra minister Pratap Sarnaik called for terror accused Tahawwur Rana to be hanged at the India-Pakistan border for his role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, stating that such an action would send a clear message to the neighbouring country about the consequences of carrying out such acts. "Tahawwur Rana's case is being handled by the officer who was on duty during the 26/11 attacks. The officer, Sadanand Date, is the reason the world got an inside account of the terror attack. Everyone in India wants, just like Kasab was hanged, Tahawwur Rana should be hanged, too. He should be hanged at the India-Pakistan border so that Pakistan understands the consequences of doing something like this in India," Sarnaik told ANI.

"This process began in 2009 and then gathered pace 2011 when the US intelligence identified Rana... I compliment the external affairs ministry, the intelligence agencies, and the NIA for successfully bringing Rana back to India after a long and arduous battle... During my time in the UPA, Minister Salman Khurshid and Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai played an important role. I am sure in the present Modi government also, several foreign secretaries and ministers have played a role... I also thank the United States' then and present government," he said.

"I don't take the BJP spokesperson seriously. I am waiting for an official statement from the External Affairs or Home Ministry. I don't want to comment on the 'so-called' spokesperson..," he added.

"It's a great victory for Mr Modi's government which has tried and went ahead, followed up and with personal contacts with American and American President, Mr Modi has got this victory - first step towards getting justice for the 150-odd people who died in the Mumbai attacks. He is one of the masterminds who has been extradited. We hope to get more people out, after his interrogation we might get more people who are masterminds of this attack to be extradited to India and brought to justice...," he said.

"When 26/11 happened, Digvijaya Singh, a prominent leader of Congress party which was in the government made irresponsible statements, saying that it was the Hindu extremists who plotted this gruesome attack and it was not the outsiders. This issue was raised by Pakistan in the international courts or organisation and they said that they had nothing to do with it. Today, with the Modi government pursuing this matter, we had given sufficient evidence to the Americans, so that we could extradite this man...It is a great victory, the world is looking at us. Getting someone extradited from America is not a very easy task, we have given enough evidence to the Americans, so I hope the Indian Govt and judicial system itself will give importance to this case and will like to finish the case on day-to-day basis and give a hearing and bring everyone to justice in this matter as early as possible," he added.

"My congratulations that they brought at least someone back. They are also going to bring back the black money and give Rs 15 lakhs to everyone, what happened to it?" he asked.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) told a Delhi court that it suspects Tahawwur Rana, a key conspirator, of planning terror attacks similar to the 26/11 Mumbai strikes, targeting multiple Indian cities. The statement was made before special judge Chander Jit Singh, who granted the NIA 18 days of custody to further probe the alleged conspiracy.

"His (Rana) prolonged custody has been deemed necessary to facilitate an extensive interrogation aimed at uncovering deeper layers of the conspiracy. We suspect that the tactics used in the Mumbai attacks were intended for execution in other cities as well, prompting investigators to examine whether similar plots were developed elsewhere," the NIA is believed to have informed the judge, a source said.

The court directed that Rana undergo a medical examination every 24 hours and be allowed to meet his lawyer every alternate day. However, these meetings must take place in the presence of NIA officials and within audible distance. Rana has also been permitted to use only a soft-tip pen during his custody.

Arguing for extended custody, the NIA stated that Rana's interrogation was essential to uncover the full extent of the 17-year-old conspiracy, which would involve taking him to several locations to retrace past events.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis rebuked Digvijaya Singh's remarks on the 26/11 attacks, emphasizing Pakistan's role after Tahawwur Rana's extradition, facilitated by PM Modi's foreign policy. Fadnavis also announced upgrades for 132 railway stations in Maharashtra and Mumbai hosting the WAVE Summit.

He said, "I am very happy that the accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and one of the conspirators, Tahawwur Rana, has been brought to India. I thank Prime Minister on behalf of Mumbaikars that the conspirator has been brought to India to face the Indian judicial system. It was a burden on us that Kasab was executed as per law, but the conspirator was not in our custody... He is with NIA now, and they are investigating the case. Now, the NIA will take calls about the investigation and legal procedures to be followed. Whatever information we need, we will take from NIA, and if they need any assistance, we will do so through Mumbai Police."

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule expressed support for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, who is accused in the 26/11 terror attack. She emphasised that individuals who escape from India after committing offences should be returned to face justice.

"Of course, we welcome it (Rana's extradition). Anybody who's committed a crime in India and has fled must be brought back," Sule told ANI. consumer of India and Indian citizens," she added.

"I would like to congratulate the then UPA govt for sending NIA team (to the US) and issuing an arrest warrant, and to take the case forward. I would also like to congratulate the current govt for its success in extraditing Tahawwur Rana. However, terrorism has become a weapon and the entire international community should raise its voice against it. However, some governments are working selectively over this issue," he said.

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a 64-year-old Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, has been extradited from the United States to India to face trial for his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which killed 166 people. A former Pakistan Army officer turned immigration consultant, Rana is accused of helping Lashkar-e-Taiba operative David Coleman Headley conduct surveillance for the attacks. Following a lengthy legal process in the US, Rana was flown to Delhi and taken into custody by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA). He is charged with conspiring alongside Pakistan-based terror groups LeT and HUJI, both banned under Indian law. His extradition is seen as a significant diplomatic and legal breakthrough, with Indian officials emphasizing its importance in furthering justice for the victims and uncovering the full extent of the 26/11 conspiracy.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar labeled Tahawwur Hussain Rana's extradition a significant development that would assist in uncovering essential details about the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks conspiracy.
The 64-year-old Canadian national of Pakistani descent, a primary suspect in the case, arrived in Delhi via a special aircraft from Los Angeles on Thursday evening. Subsequently, a special court granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) 18 days of custody.

Rana faces accusations of collaborating with David Coleman Headley, also known as Daood Gilani, and terrorist groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI), alongside other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, in executing the three-day terror assault that resulted in 166 fatalities.

During a press interaction in Pune, Pawar recounted his presence in Mumbai during the 2008 attacks, alongside then chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and home minister R R Patil. "After the operation, we visited all the attack sites. A probe was launched to identify the masterminds. Now that this man (Rana) has been extradited to India, it will come to light who were behind the attacks, on whose orders he acted and what their objective was," Pawar said.

"The way these leaders are making such remarks on such sensitive issue, it surprises me a lot. This matter is related to the country's security and foreign policies and Tahawwur Rana was extradited, thanks to the central government's efforts. This is not the time to do politics," he said.

"On the night of 26/11, I was in Mumbai and scheduled to stay at the Taj. But as destiny would have it, I moved to another hotel at the last minute due to a change in plans.

The horror of that night, however, has stayed with me forever. I vividly remember watching the NSG operation unfold and a single thought kept echoing in my mind ~ karma will one day catch up with the masterminds of this attack.

Sixteen years later, seeing Tahawwur Rana back on Indian soil brings not just a sense of closure, but also renewed confidence. With decisive leadership at the helm, those plotting against India will think twice before daring to strike," he said in a post on X.

India has successfully secured the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key figure in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, from the United States. Rana is accused of providing crucial support to David Headley, enabling him to conduct surveillance for the LeT.

The Justice Department announced that on April 9, 2025, “the US Marshals Service executed the Secretary’s surrender warrant by surrendering Rana to Indian authorities for transportation to India.” This marked the official completion of the extradition process.

India formally requested Rana’s extradition in June 2020. The DOJ described how Rana contested the request for nearly five years. In May 2023, a US magistrate judge certified his extradition. Rana then filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, which was denied in August 2023. His subsequent appeals to the Ninth Circuit and US Supreme Court were also rejected. The Department confirmed, “The Secretary of State issued a warrant ordering Rana’s surrender to Indian authorities.”

The press release recalled that Rana was convicted in 2013 in the Northern District of Illinois for conspiring to provide material support to LeT and participating in a foiled plot to attack a Danish newspaper. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison. In the same proceedings, Headley pleaded guilty to 12 terrorism charges—including his role in the Mumbai attacks—and was sentenced to 35 years.

In a significant step towards justice for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the United States has extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India. Rana, a key accused, faces multiple charges including conspiracy and murder for his alleged role in the attacks. The extradition follows years of legal proceedings and marks a critical moment for the victims and their families.

The DOJ revealed that after the attacks, Rana allegedly showed no remorse. In a conversation intercepted by authorities, he told Headley that “the Indians ‘deserved it.’” He went further, saying “[t]hey should be given Nishan-e-Haider”—Pakistan’s ‘highest award for gallantry in battle,’ which is reserved for fallen soldiers.

According to the press release, Us claimed that Indian authorities allege that Rana provided cover for LeT operative David Coleman Headley, a US citizen and Rana’s childhood friend, to conduct surveillance for the attacks. Rana allegedly used his immigration business to support Headley’s travel and activities in India under false pretenses, including opening a Mumbai office and submitting fraudulent visa applications.

The DOJ described the attack in their statement, detailing that between November 26 and 29, 2008, ten members of the designated foreign terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) carried out coordinated shooting and bombing attacks across Mumbai. The attacks targeted a train station, restaurants, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, and a Jewish community center, causing over $1.5 billion in damages and injuring hundreds.

The US Justice Department had issued a statement on Tahawwur Rana's extratidition to India giving key details around the planning behind the 26/11 attack in Mumbai. They also mentioned Rana's links with his childhood friend David Coleman Headley (Headley), also a 26/11 co-conspirator.

"The United States has long supported India's efforts to ensure those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice, and as President Trump has said, the United States and India will continue to work together to combat the global scourge of terrorism," she further said.

Rana is in India's "possession and we are very proud of that dynamic," she added.

According to a Mumbai police official, Rana assisted co-conspirator David Coleman Headley in securing a long-term Indian visa and provided cover for his reconnaissance activities in Mumbai under the guise of an immigration business. Rana and Headley exchanged over 230 calls during this period, and Rana was also in contact with another accused, 'Major Iqbal.'

Rana had visited India just days before the attacks in November 2008. As per the 2023 Mumbai police charge sheet, he stayed in a Powai hotel and discussed potential crowded targets in South Mumbai with a witness. Many of these locations were later attacked by Pakistani terrorists, resulting in 166 deaths.

Former Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi emphasised that exceptional security protocols are necessary for Tahawwur Rana's case, advocating for stringent surveillance detention and coordinated agency oversight, given the international ramifications.

In her interview with ANI, Kiren Bedi explained, "Tihar jail has previously housed hardened criminals, separatists and terrorists. However, Rana's case requires extraordinary measures due to its international implications. I would suggest the following precautions must be considered at all costs...solitary, high-surveillance confinement, inter-agency monitoring...if possible, AI-assisted surveillance. Also, while transporting and prosecuting such a globally high-profile terrorist suspect like this, very key safety measures should be included. The following could be armed convoys with decoys, virtual trials, staff background checks and courtroom fortification."

She further stated that Indian correctional facilities require contemporary upgrades to align with international standards, emphasising the importance of establishing an integrated framework of judicial protection, advanced infrastructure, and strategic planning.

The Delhi State Legal Services Authority Counsel representing Rana noted that the Court issued specific directives to NIA regarding comprehensive medical examinations at both the beginning and conclusion of his custody period.

The DLSA Counsel informed ANI that whilst NIA requested 20 days of custody, the court settled on 18 days after thorough consideration. The counsel explained that NIA would need to file a separate application for any additional time. The court has mandated complete medical assessments when Rana enters custody and before his return to court post-remand, ensuring all his medical needs are addressed.

"He (Tahawwur Rana) has requested that anybody representing him in court, especially since we are from DLSA and doing our duty, there should be no public outrage against the lawyers...," the counsel added.

A 2011 post by Narendra Modi criticizing the UPA government's handling of the Tahawwur Rana case resurfaced on X after Rana's extradition to India. Modi had previously condemned the US decision to clear Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, calling it a foreign policy failure. Netizens are now praising Modi's commitment following Rana's extradition.

The United States Department of State reaffirmed on Thursday (local time) its dedication to fighting international terrorism alongside India, following the extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India. Rana, a key plotter in the devastating 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was sent to India to face legal proceedings for his involvement.

At a press conference, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that the United States had continuously backed India's pursuit to hold the perpetrators of the attacks accountable.

Bruce also expressed satisfaction regarding Rana's extradition, confirming that he was now under Indian custody and would stand trial for his participation in the attacks.
"On April 9th, the United States extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face justice for his role in planning the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. These attacks resulted in the tragic loss of 166 lives, including six Americans, that shocked the entire world," Bruce said.

Defence Expert Dhruv Katoch on Thursday described India's success in securing Tahawwur Rana's extradition, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, as a significant diplomatic achievement. He attributed this accomplishment to the determination of the BJP-led Central government.

He highlighted the complexities involved in the extradition process, noting the resistance from various entities in Pakistan and other nations who opposed Rana's transfer to India.

In his statement to ANI on Thursday, Katoch said, "To bring back a fugitive like this to India, he is from Pakistan, but he is a Canadian citizen...it was a difficult job to bring him back...there so many people in Pakistan and other countries who didn't want him to comeback...this is a political win no doubt, it was the political will of this govt..."

Senior lawyer Dayan Krishnan, who was leading the proceedings for the extradition of 26/11 co-conspirator David Coleman Headley, will be spearheading the NIA's prosecution team which will make a watertight case against Tahawwur Rana. Krishnan will be assisted by a team including special prosecutor Narender Mann, an experienced criminal lawyer, who earlier represented CBI in Delhi HC, sources said.

Krishnan, sources said, was instrumental in Rana's extradition proceedings as well and his team presented irrefutable evidence to the US judiciary, culminating in the dismissal of all of Rana's pleas and appeals. Krishnan was closely working with NIA when the extradition process began in 2019-20. He and his team also accompanied NIA to the US to present India's case, sources said, adding that he was assisting the team in an unofficial capacity due to US laws.

A Special NIA court on Friday remanded Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, to NIA custody for 18 days. Following his extradition from the United States, Tahawwur Hussain Rana landed in India on Thursday.

The Special NIA Court held proceedings on Thursday evening when Rana was first presented.

The NIA submitted crucial evidence to the court, including electronic correspondence from Tahawwur Rana, to support their request for police custody. The agency emphasised that questioning him in custody was essential to expose the conspiracy. The investigators intend to scrutinise Rana's involvement in planning the devastating terror attacks.

NIA gets 20 days custody of 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana by the court. He will be shortly taken to the National Investigation Agency headquarters from Patiala House Court

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) presented Tahawwur Hussain Rana, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, at a court following his US extradition. The NIA requested 20-day custody, with the court's decision pending.

A security convoy, comprising a jail van, armoured SWAT vehicle and ambulance, transported Rana to the Patiala House Court.
The 64-year-old Canadian businessman of Pakistani origin appeared before special NIA judge Chander Jit Singh.

Following the US Supreme Court's April 4 dismissal of his review petition against extradition, Rana, who closely associated with primary conspirator David Coleman Headley (also known as Daood Gilani), arrived in India.

Sources indicate the NIA requested 20 days' custody to question Rana, citing crucial evidence including email correspondence.
The agency emphasised to the court the necessity of interrogating Rana to reveal the broader conspiracy behind the 2008 attacks.
The court heard about the need to investigate Rana's role as an attack planner.

The NIA disclosed that David Coleman Headley, the primary accused, had discussed the operation with Rana prior to visiting India.
The agency informed the court that Headley sent Rana an email listing his possessions and assets. Additionally, Headley notified Rana about Pakistani nationals Ilyas Kashmiri and Abdur Rehman's involvement in the scheme.

The NIA's representation included Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan and Special Public Prosecutor Narender Mann.

When questioned about legal representation, Rana indicated he had none. The judge arranged for advocate Piyush Sachdeva through Delhi Legal Services Authority to represent him.

The court reserved its ruling after hearing arguments.

The verdict is expected shortly.

Calling the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana a “big day,” Eknath Omble, the brother of Ashok Chakra awardee and 26/11 hero Tukaram Omble, on Thursday urged the central govt to hang Tahawwur Rana.

Tukaram Omble, a sub-inspector in Mumbai police, held onto terrorist Ajmal Kasab’s rifle, ensuring his arrest, but unfortunately fell to the bullets during the attack.

“Many innocent people and policemen were killed. It was a painful night. Rana was the closest ally of David Headley, who was the mastermind of the attack — they all should have been hanged earlier... But it’s a big day for the country. I have a request from the government that he (Tahawwur Rana) should be hanged as soon as possible,” Eknath Omble told ANI.

“He should be given such strict punishment that those in Pakistan who facilitate such things should think twice before committing such things... However, we tolerated the delay in Kasab’s punishment because it exposed the real face of Pakistan before the world.”

NIA further states that, as part of the criminal conspiracy, accused No. 1, David Coleman Headley, had discussed the entire operation with Tahawwur Rana before his visit to India.

Anticipating potential challenges, Headley sent an email to Rana detailing his belongings and assets. He also informed Rana about the involvement of Ilyas Kashmiri and Abdur Rehman in the plot.

NIA has presented compelling evidence, including emails sent by 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana, to justify his police custody.

The agency informed the court that custodial interrogation is crucial to uncovering the sinister plot. Investigators will also examine Rana’s role in orchestrating the deadly terror attacks.

NIA produces 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana before Special NIA Court. Arguments on his custody proceedings are underway.

Rana has been provided legal aid counsel by the Court