‘Indians deserved it’: What Rana allegedly told Headley after 26/11 terror attack | India News
NEW DELHI: Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a 64-year-old Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, has been extradited from the United States to India to face trial for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that claimed 166 lives. Rana, a former Pakistan Army medical corps officer turned immigration consultant, is accused of facilitating the attacks by providing logistical support to his childhood friend and co-conspirator, David Coleman Headley.
According to US authorities, Rana allegedly told Headley after the attacks that the Indians “deserved it” and praised the nine Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists who died during the assault, suggesting they should be awarded Pakistan’s highest military honour, the Nishan-e-Haider. These statements were reportedly captured during intercepted conversations between the two.
Rana’s extradition follows a protracted legal battle in the United States, where he had been held in custody since 2020. After exhausting all legal avenues, including appeals to the US Supreme Court, his extradition was finalised. He arrived in Delhi on Thursday evening aboard a special flight from Los Angeles, escorted by officials from India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the US Marshals Service. Upon arrival, he was formally arrested and presented before a special NIA court, which granted the agency 18 days of custody for interrogation.
Rana is accused of conspiring with Headley and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI), along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the devastating terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008. A total of 166 persons were killed and over 238 injured in the deadly attacks. Both LeT and HUJI have been declared as terrorist organisations by the Government of India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The extradition has been hailed by Indian authorities as a significant diplomatic achievement. Home Minister Amit Shah described it as a “major step” in bringing the perpetrators of the 26/11 attacks to justice. Former Israeli Ambassador to India, Mark Sofer, praised the Indian government’s efforts, stating he had “nothing but praise” for the successful extradition.
Rana’s extradition is expected to provide Indian investigators with crucial insights into the planning and execution of the Mumbai attacks, as well as the involvement of Pakistan-based terrorist organisations. The NIA has indicated that Rana’s interrogation will focus on uncovering the full extent of the conspiracy and identifying any additional individuals involved.
This development marks a pivotal moment in India’s ongoing efforts to seek justice for the victims of the 2008 Mumbai attacks and to hold accountable those responsible for one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in the country’s history.
