A high-level team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to travel to the United States soon to finalize the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key figure wanted for his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, according to sources cited by ANI.
The visit follows a major legal breakthrough after the US Supreme Court recently dismissed a review petition filed by Rana challenging his extradition to India. This development clears the way for Indian authorities to expedite legal proceedings and secure his return.
As per sources, senior officials of the NIA, including those at the ranks of Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General, are likely to travel to the US by the end of this month. The plan has reportedly been shared with the Ministries of Home and External Affairs.
Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin and a former doctor and businessman, is accused of providing logistical support for David Coleman Headley, the mastermind behind the 26/11 attacks. He allegedly allowed Headley to use his immigration business as a cover to conduct reconnaissance of potential targets in India.
Arrested in 2009 by the FBI in Chicago, Rana was convicted in the US for supporting the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) but was acquitted of charges directly linked to the Mumbai attacks.
India has been pressing for Rana’s extradition to ensure accountability for the deadly assault that claimed 166 lives and left hundreds injured. The NIA has emphasized his role in aiding and abetting Headley as pivotal to the terror conspiracy.
(Inputs from ANI)
