Tiyasa Karmakar ,TIC
In a significant development, Tahur Rana has been extradited from the United States to India, following his arrest 16 years ago. Sources indicate that Rana will be immediately taken into custody by the National Investigation Agency ( NIA) upon his arrival at Delhi’s airport. Subsequently, he is expected to be presented in a virtual court hearing.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has successfully secured the extradition of Tahaur Rana, a key figure behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, from the United States. The NIA team arrived in the U.S. on wednesday, and Rana was handed over to them on Thursday. Sources indicate say he is being brought to Delhi in a special plane. According to a report by India Today, the aircraft carrying Rana is expected to touch down at Palam Airport in Delhi on Thursday afternoon.
Sources confirm that one of the key figures of 26/11 attacks will be transferred from the airport under heightened security measures.
As reported, during this transfer the individual will be escorted in a bulletproof vehicle . To ensure safety throughout the journey, the Delhi Police’s special cell has been put on high alert, with SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) commandos also deployed. This comprehensive security arrangement includes not just anti- bullet vehicles but also armored transports. A ‘ Marksman’ vehicle, known for its high-security capabilities, will be stationed at all times to guard against any potential threats during the transfer.
Security measures have been significantly increased at the NIA headquarters, leading to a ban on public access to the facility. The closure of Gate 2 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Metro station, located near the NIA headquarters, has been implemented for those security precautions. Sources indicate that the route of a special plane transporting Rana from the United States to India is under close surveillance by intelligence agencies, air traffic control, and specialized security forces. Indian Intelligence operatives are reportedly collaborating with their American counterparts to monitor this critical route.
Sixteen years after his arrest, the United States has extradited Rana to India, a development closely monitored by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. According to sources familiar with the situation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to arrest Rana upon his arrival in India. Once in custody, he will be presented virtually in court and may subsequently be placed in judicial custody at Tihar Jail.
Rana, 64, is a Canadian citizen of Pakistani descent. He was connected to David Coleman, an American citizen of Pakistani origin, through business ties. Coleman is believed to have chosen the location for the tragic Mumbai blasts in 2008, where Lashkar-e-Taiba, with assistance from Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI, orchestrated a series of coordinated attacks on November 26. This heinous incident resulted in the deaths of 166 individuals, with many more sustaining injuries. Coleman was apprehended in Chicago in 2009, and investigations revealed that he had collaborated with Rana to devise a plan for terrorists to infiltrate India and execute the attacks. Following Coleman’s arrest, Rana was also taken into custody in the United States, prompting Indian authorities to initiate his extradition process.
