26/11 Mastermind Tahawwur Rana Extradited from U.S. and Arrested by NIA Upon Arrival in New Delhi
(Judicial Quest News Network)
New Delhi, April 10, 2025 – In a landmark development in India’s pursuit of justice for the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday evening formally arrested Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key conspirator in the 2008 carnage, moments after his arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), New Delhi.
Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin who had been residing in Chicago, was extradited from the United States after years of relentless legal efforts and high-level diplomatic coordination. His arrest marks a significant breakthrough in India’s global campaign to bring fugitives involved in terrorism to justice.
Escorted by NSG and NIA on Special Flight from Los Angeles
Rana arrived in New Delhi under tight security, escorted by senior officials of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG) on a special flight from Los Angeles. As soon as he disembarked, he was taken into custody by the NIA team present at the airport, following the completion of all legal and procedural formalities.
This high-profile extradition comes after sustained efforts by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs, in coordination with U.S. authorities including the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Rana had mounted multiple legal challenges to avoid being sent to India, including appeals in U.S. courts and an emergency application to the U.S. Supreme Court, all of which were ultimately denied.
A Key Figure in the 26/11 Mumbai Attacks
Tahawwur Rana stands accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley (a.k.a. Daood Gilani) and members of Pakistan-based terrorist groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI)—both of which are designated as terrorist organisations under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
According to investigators, Rana played a vital role in facilitating the activities of Headley and other co-conspirators who planned and executed the deadly Mumbai terror attacks of November 2008, which left 166 people dead and over 230 injured.
His extradition represents a long-awaited step forward in holding the global conspirators of the 26/11 attack accountable, and is being hailed as a major diplomatic and investigative success for India.
India Reaffirms Commitment to Fighting Global Terrorism
With Rana now in Indian custody, the NIA is expected to intensify its investigation into the wider international network behind the Mumbai attacks. This development also sends a strong message that those who orchestrate acts of terror against India will be pursued across borders and brought to justice, regardless of how long it takes.
