New Delhi [India], January 28 (HBTV): A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to visit the United States soon to complete the formalities for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, wanted in India for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, according to sources.

The development follows the US Supreme Court's recent rejection of a review petition filed by Rana challenging his extradition to India. This decision has removed a key legal obstacle, enabling Indian authorities to expedite the process of bringing Rana to justice.

NIA delegation and preparations

Sources indicate that a team comprising officers of Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General rank is likely to travel to the US by the end of January. The plan has been shared with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate the extradition process.

Rana’s role in the attacks

Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin and a former doctor and businessman, is accused of aiding David Coleman Headley, the primary planner of the 26/11 attacks. Rana allowed Headley to use his immigration business as a cover to travel to India and conduct reconnaissance of potential attack targets.

Rana was arrested by the FBI in Chicago in 2009 for his involvement in a Pakistan-backed terror network. While he was convicted in the US for supporting Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the terror organization behind the attacks, he was acquitted on charges directly related to the Mumbai attacks.

India has long sought Rana’s extradition, arguing that his role in aiding and abetting Headley makes him a key conspirator in the attacks, which killed 166 people and injured hundreds more.

Progress in extradition

The US Supreme Court's dismissal of Rana's review petition has given a new impetus to the extradition process. The NIA’s upcoming visit underscores India’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims of one of the country’s deadliest terror attacks.

Rana’s extradition would mark a significant milestone in India’s efforts to hold accountable those responsible for orchestrating the attacks.

(ANI)