26/11 Accused Tahawwur Rana Moves Closer To Extradition As US Supreme Court Denies His Plea

Last Updated:March 07, 2025, 10:47 IST

Rana has appealed his extradition to India, claiming that he will be tortured based on his Pakistan origin. Trump had earlier confirmed his extradition during PM Modi's visit.

26/11 terror attack alleged mastermind Tahawwur Hussain Rana's emergency stay application was rejected by the US Supreme Court.

Pakistani-Canadian doctor Tahawwur Hussain Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, is one step closer to his extradition to India after the US Supreme Court rejected his emergency stay application, following President Donald Trump’s order to extradite him. His attorney has now appealed directly to US Chief Justice John Roberts.

Rana had moved to the top US court for an emergency stay on his extradition to India, saying he would be tortured and killed in India because of his religious identity and social background. His application was denied by Justice Elena Kagen, after which his attorney appealed directly to the Chief Justice.

Rana’s plea says he is a Muslim of Pakistani origin and a former member of the Pakistani Army, which would make him susceptible to torture in custody and he could die given his health condition – including a bulging artery and Parkinson’s Disease.

He also argued that the government in India is increasingly autocratic and cites the Human Rights Watch 2023 World Report, which accuses the BJP-led government of systematic discrimination and stigmatisation of religious minorities, particularly Muslims.

ALSO READ: As Mumbai Attacks Accused Tahawwur Rana Claims He Will Be Tortured In India, A Look At Ajmal Kasab’s Lengthy & Fair Trial

Trump’s Announcement On Rana’s Extradition

Tahawwur Rana is a known associate of Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the November 26, 2008 attacks in Mumbai that killed 174 people. He was convicted in the US for supporting the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and India has long demanded his extradition.

US President Donald Trump confirmed Rana’s extradition to India during a press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House last month. “Tahawwur Rana will be going back to India, where he will face justice," he said. PM Modi also expressed gratitude to Trump for taking the step.

Once brought to India, Rana is expected to be produced in a special Investigation Agency (NIA) court, after which the NIA will seek his custody for questioning. The extradition is being touted as a big success for Indian agencies and the government.

Rana was convicted for providing logistical support for a foiled attack in Denmark but was acquitted of terrorism activities in India. The district court sentenced Rana to 14 years imprisonment. Terrorist David Headley also testified against Rana in court.

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

News world 26/11 Accused Tahawwur Rana Moves Closer To Extradition As US Supreme Court Denies His Plea