Tahawwur Rana Case History: After years of legal proceedings and diplomatic negotiations, Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian national, has been extradited from the United States to India for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana reached New Delhi on April 10, 2025, under the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). It is a significant development in India’s efforts to bring all the offenders of the attacks to justice.
Mission Operation Rana
Meanwhile, the NIA faced a major risk in keeping the whole transit operation confidential because of possible threats from Pakistan-based terror groups, as per a report by ANI. A special team comprising of NSG commandos and senior NIA officials left Los Angeles on a specially designed aircraft. As per the report, the NIA official reportedly held Rana’s hand throughout the journey so that he wouldn’t cause any harm to himself. To ensure seamless coordination between Indian and US agencies, the flight was continuously monitored in real time by commandos, air traffic control units, and by intelligence personnel.
The high-stakes extradition case was handled by keeping it top secret and was carried out carefully. As per ANI sources, the plane made a halt for refueling before the landing. After the plane landed in Delhi, strict security protocols were implemented. The Delhi Police’s security wing staff were told to submit their phones to avoid any leaks. In order to stay away from media attention. Rana was brought in from Palam Air Base and was taken out through an alternate gate and was transported in a non-transparent van.
Details on Rana’s extradition case
Rana’s extradition journey started when he was arrested by the FBI in October 2009, following the arrest of his associate, David Coleman Headley. In 2021, a US court convicted Rana for supporting the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and planning to attack a Danish newspaper. Although acquitted of direct involvement in the Mumbai attacks, India sought his extradition in 2020. India cited his link with Headley, who had used Rana’s immigration business reason for staying in Mumbai.
Rana’s legal team advocated against the extradition on the grounds of double jeopardy, declaring that he has already been tried for related offences. However, Indian legal experts mentioned that the charges under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act were distinct. The US Department of Justice accepted this reason, and after the US Supreme Court rejected Rana’s final appeal in January 2025, the path for his extradition was cleared.
Here is the timeline of the important events related to the Tahawwur Rana extradition case:
In October 2009, Rana was arrested by the FBI in the US.
June 2011: He was convicted by the US for assisting LeT and for plotting to attack a Danish newspaper.
January 2013: Rana was sentenced to 14 years in US federal prison.
June 2020: India makes a formal request for Rana’s extradition
May 2023: US magistrate Judge certifies Rana’s extradition to India.
August 2024: The extradition of Rana is affirmed by the US Court of Appeals
January 2025: The US Supreme Court refuses Rana’s final appeal
April 10, 2025: Rana got extradited to India and taken into NIA custody.
Indian officials have praised Rana’s extradition as a diplomatic win and a step ahead in delivering justice to the victims of 26/11 attacks.
Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the development as a ‘’great success’’ for India’s counter-terrorism efforts. Rana is currently being held in Tihar Jail, where he will face trial as per Indian law. His case is expected to provide insights into the terrorism activities and its network.
(With inputs from ANI)