NIA team set to visit USA soon for extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attack conspirator Tahawwur Rana

A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to travel to the USA soon to finalize the extradition process for Tahawwur Rana, who is wanted in India for his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, sources revealed.

The visit follows a recent decision by the US Supreme Court rejecting Rana's review petition against his extradition to India. This ruling has removed a major legal obstacle, enabling Indian authorities to expedite efforts to bring him to justice.

According to sources, senior officials of the NIA, including those of Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General ranks, are likely to visit the USA by the end of the month. The proposed plan has been communicated to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs.

Rana, a former doctor and businessman, holds Canadian citizenship and is of Pakistani origin. He stands accused of supporting David Coleman Headley, the key planner of the Mumbai attacks, by allowing him to use his immigration business as a cover for conducting reconnaissance on potential targets in India.

Arrested in Chicago in 2009 by the FBI, Rana was found guilty in the US of supporting the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the terror group behind the attacks, but was acquitted of charges directly related to the Mumbai incidents.

India has been actively seeking Rana's extradition to ensure he faces charges for his role in the attacks, which claimed 166 lives and left hundreds injured. The NIA has emphasized Rana's crucial role in assisting Headley, identifying him as a significant conspirator.

With the US Supreme Court's recent ruling, the extradition process has gained new momentum. The planned visit by the NIA team underscores India’s commitment to securing justice for the victims of one of its most devastating terror attacks.