US Supreme Court Rejects 26/11 Accused’s Plea to Block Extradition to India

Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, faced a major legal setback as the Supreme Court of the United States rejected his plea to block extradition to India. Rana had argued that if extradited, he would be subjected to “torture,” but the US Supreme Court denied his “emergency application” on Thursday, March 6.

According to the official website of the US Supreme Court, Rana’s application (24A852) was denied by Justice Elena Kagan. This ruling paves the way for his extradition to India, where he faces charges related to his alleged involvement in the deadly attacks athat claimed 166 lives in Mumbai in 2008.

Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian businessman, was arrested in the US in 2009 and convicted in 2011 for providing support to the Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked plot to attack a Danish newspaper. However, he was acquitted of direct involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. India has been pushing for his extradition, citing his alleged role in facilitating logistical support for the attackers.

In May 2023, a US court approved his extradition to India, determining that there was sufficient evidence to support the Indian government’s request. Since then, Rana has been engaged in a legal battle to prevent being sent to India, arguing that he would face harsh treatment. His latest plea was part of this ongoing effort, but with the US Supreme Court’s decision, his extradition now appears imminent.

The Indian government has assured US authorities that Rana will be treated in accordance with legal and humanitarian standards. The rejection of his plea is seen as a diplomatic win for India, which has been seeking justice for the victims of the 26/11 attacks. Officials in India have welcomed the decision and are preparing for the legal process to transfer him to Indian custody.

Rana’s case has been closely followed as it is linked to one of India’s most horrific terror incidents. His extradition could provide more insights into the broader conspiracy behind the attacks, as he was known to be closely associated with David Coleman Headley, another key conspirator who turned approver in the case.