Hours, after the US administration cleared the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, expressed readiness to imprison the Pakistani-origin Canadian once he arrives in India. Fadnavis emphasized that Rana, who was involved in the 2008 attacks, must face justice in India.
The announcement from US President Donald Trump came after his administration approved the extradition of Rana, calling him a “very evil” individual and confirming he would be sent to India to face trial.
Fadnavis responded confidently, stating, “We kept Kasab, what is the big deal here? We will keep him for sure.” He reaffirmed the state’s preparedness to handle high-profile criminals like Rana, citing Maharashtra’s track record with Ajmal Kasab, one of the terrorists involved in the attack, who was captured and executed in 2012.
Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, underscored that Mumbai’s security infrastructure is capable of managing such high-profile criminals. “The case is in Mumbai, so Rana will be brought here. We handled Kasab. We received Rana’s online statement, which proved Pakistan’s involvement in 26/11. Rana was under American protection then, but he is India’s criminal and should face the law here,” Fadnavis said.
The CM expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts to secure Rana’s extradition. Fadnavis noted that although the US initially hesitated to hand over Rana, Trump’s intervention played a key role in the approval of the extradition. “This is significant for India, as criminals must face our judicial system for punishment,” he added.
Rana, currently detained in Los Angeles, is known to have collaborated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, another major conspirator in the attacks. His extradition marks a critical step toward bringing justice to the victims of the 26/11 attacks.
Noted criminal lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, who served as the public prosecutor in the case, hailed the US decision, calling it a strong message that the US will not tolerate those who plot terrorism against India. Nikam also pointed out that this move shows the US’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with India.
The extradition was approved after the US Supreme Court dismissed Rana’s appeal in January, and President Trump officially announced the decision during a press conference with Prime Minister Modi in Washington.
Fadnavis concluded that Rana’s extradition was a crucial development, promising that India would ensure “final justice” in the 26/11 case.
(With PTI Inputs)