The mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, Tahawwur Rana, may soon be extradited to India by the United States. The Biden administration has requested the Federal Court in Los Angeles to extradite Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana to India, who has been a long-sought fugitive for India, being a key figure behind the Mumbai attacks.
The 59-year-old Tahawwur Rana has been declared a fugitive by India. Apart from the 2008 terrorist attacks, Rana is accused of involvement in several other terrorist activities. The Mumbai terror attacks resulted in the death of approximately 166 people, including six American citizens. India has appealed to the United States for Rana's extradition, and he was re-arrested in Los Angeles on June 10, 2020.
According to the news agency PTI, documents submitted to the US District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles highlight the US government's stance that there is ample evidence in India's extradition request to substantiate each criminal charge, for which India seeks Rana's extradition.
Explainer: The Preparedness for Extraditing Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India, Uncovering His Role in the 26/11 Attacks
US Compiles Extradition Draft
Last week, the US Attorney presented a draft in court stating that all necessary procedures for the certification of extradition have been completed. The court authorizes the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana and places him in custody.
Rana Accused in Mumbai Terror Attack
In the US draft, it is also mentioned that Tahawwur Rana committed fraud against the Indian government. Numerous instances of fraud involving falsified documents violate Indian local laws. Authorities have long been searching for Rana, who is also accused of being involved in the 9/11 attacks. A warrant for his arrest was issued by India in August 2018.
The Plot Behind the Mumbai Attacks
The draft from the United States states that Indian authorities claim that Rana conspired with his childhood friend, David Coleman Headley, to assist the Pakistani terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET) in orchestrating the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. On the other hand, Rana's lawyer has refuted the allegations and pleaded with the court not to grant the extradition. Both documents were presented in court on July 15.
Source: aajtak
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