No doubt, this is political will: Defence Expert Dhruv Katoch on extradition of Tahawwur Rana

ANI April 11, 2025 297 views

The extradition of Tahawwur Rana marks a significant milestone in India's pursuit of justice for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Defence expert Dhruv Katoch highlighted the political determination behind bringing Rana back to India. The National Investigation Agency will conduct extensive interrogations to unravel the full conspiracy. This development represents a crucial step in addressing the complex terror plot that claimed 166 lives and injured over 238 people.

"To bring back a fugitive like this to India...it was a difficult job" - Dhruv Katoch, Defence Expert
New Delhi, April 11: Defence Expert Dhruv Katoch on Thursday termed the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana to India a "political win" and stated it was the "political will of this government", referring to the BJP-led Central government.

Key Points

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NIA secures extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused after years of efforts

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Rana to be interrogated for 18 days

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Extradition follows complex legal proceedings in US

He also acknowledged the challenges in the process of the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, as many people in Pakistan and other countries were against his extradition to India.

Defence Expert Dhruv Katoch told ANI on Thursday, " To bring back a fugitive like this to India, he is from Pakistan, but he is a Canadian citizen...it was a difficult job to bring him back...there so many people in Pakistan and other countries who didn't want him to comeback...this is a political win no doubt, it was the political will of this govt..."

Meanwhile, Tahawwur Rana was brought to the National Investigation Agency headquarters on late Thursday. NIA said that the agency would question him in detail.

NIA said that Rana will remain in NIA custody for 18 days, during which time the agency will question him in detail in order to unravel the complete conspiracy behind the deadly 2008 attacks, in which a total of 166 persons were killed and over 238 injured.The 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana on Thursday arrived in India following his extradition by the United States.

Earlier on Thursday evening, Tahawwur Rana was produced before the Special NIA Court.The anti-terror agency has presented compelling evidence, including emails sent by 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana, to justify his police custody. The agency informed the court that custodial interrogation is crucial to uncovering a sinister plot. Investigators will also examine Rana's role in orchestrating the deadly terror attacks.

NIA further states that, as part of the criminal conspiracy, accused No. 1, David Coleman Headley, had discussed the entire operation with Tahawwur Rana before his visit to India. Anticipating potential challenges, Headley sent an email to Rana detailing his belongings and assets. He also informed Rana about the involvement of Ilyas Kashmiri and Abdur Rehman in the plot.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said on Thursday that it has successfully secured the extradition of Rana, the mastermind of the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem to justice.

According to the NIA, Rana was being held in judicial custody in the US pursuant to proceedings initiated under the India-US Extradition Treaty for his extradition. The extradition finally came through after Rana exhausted all legal avenues to stay the move.

"Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley @ Daood Gilani, and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the devastating terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008. A total of 166 persons were killed and over 238 injured in the deadly attacks. Both LeT and HUJI have been declared as terrorist organisations by the Government of India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967," the NIA said.

Reader Comments

P
Priya M.
Finally some justice for the victims' families! This extradition took way too long but better late than never. Kudos to the government for not giving up on this case 🙏
R
Rahul K.
While I appreciate the effort, I wish the government would show similar political will in handling domestic terrorism cases. The selective approach is concerning.
A
Anjali S.
Can't believe it's been 15 years since 26/11. Hope this brings some closure to the victims' families. The NIA better get all the information they can from him!
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Sanjay P.
This is a diplomatic win for India 🇮🇳 Shows how much our global standing has improved. The US wouldn't have cooperated like this 20 years ago.
M
Meena R.
I remember watching the attacks unfold on TV as a teenager. Still gives me chills. Hope they uncover the whole network behind this - not just punish one man.
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Vikram J.
The real test will be what happens next. Will he actually face proper justice or will this drag on in courts for another decade? The system needs to show it can deliver timely justice too.

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