Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was brought to India on Thursday after being "successfully extradited" from the US, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. Officials said the 64-year-old Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin landed in Delhi in a special plane on Thursday evening, ending days of speculation about when and how he will be extradited.
The NIA said in a statement that it had secured the successful extradition after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring to justice the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem that claimed 166 lives. Advocate Piyush Sachdeva will appear today on behalf of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana, representing the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA).
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Rana is being brought to India on a special flight after the US Supreme Court rejected his final appeal against extradition. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) shared a release on the Rana's case. After the landing of the wanted Pakistani criminal, immediately taken into custody by the NIA and is expected to be produced before the Patiala House Court in Delhi. Rana will also be taken to Mumbai for case trial.
Rana is facing multiple charges against him, including criminal conspiracy, waging war against the Indian government, murder, fogery and violations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Rana was extradited to India after Union Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Home Minister Shah hailed the extradition as a major diplomatic achievement under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.