Mumbai Terror Mastermind on way to India amid heightened securuity
New Delhi: In a major breakthrough in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks case, Indian authorities are set to bring back Tahawwur Rana from the United States. Following the completion of all legal formalities in the US, Rana is being extradited to India to face trial for his alleged role in the deadly attacks.
A special aircraft carrying Rana has reportedly taken off from the US and is expected to land in New Delhi by Thursday afternoon, according to highly placed sources. On his arrival, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to take him into custody after completing necessary legal procedures.
In view of the sensitive nature of the case, a high-level emergency review meeting was convened on Wednesday evening at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval participated in the closed-door meeting. The focus of the discussion was on security arrangements surrounding Rana’s extradition and detention.
Security has been significantly tightened in both Delhi and Mumbai, particularly at two designated prisons where Rana may be held. Multiple Indian agencies have been deployed to ensure a smooth and secure transition once he lands in the country.
Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian-American, has long been wanted in India for his alleged involvement in facilitating the 26/11 attacks, which claimed over 160 lives and shook the nation. His extradition marks a major diplomatic and legal victory for India in its ongoing efforts to bring all perpetrators of the attack to justice.
