A chapter long shrouded in international intrigue and terror has finally reopened. It’s been over sixteen years since coordinated gunfire and explosions turned Mumbai into a warzone, since hotel hallways and railway platforms echoed with screams, smoke, and chaos. Now, the man accused of planning that nightmare, Tahawwur Rana, has been returned to the very country whose heart was shattered in those 60 hours of horror. His extradition from the United States marks not just a major legal milestone, but the rekindling of a quest for justice that has haunted hundreds of families. The United States on Wednesday extradited a key conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks to India taking a major step in the pursuit of justice for the victims of one of the deadliest terror strikes in India. The US State Department, reaffirming its commitment to counter global terrorism, reiterated its support for India’s efforts to bring those responsible for the 26/11 attacks to justice. US Department of Justice spokesperson in a statement to PTI said that Rana's extradition is “critical step toward seeking justice” for the victims of the heinous attacks. US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on Thursday that “The United States has long supported India's efforts to ensure those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice, and as President Trump has said, the United States and India will continue to work together to combat the global scourge of terrorism.” Bruce also acknowledged the historical gravity of the attacks, urging people to learn more about the tragic events that shook the world. "Some people may not remember the attacks that resulted in the tragic loss of 166 lives, including six Americans, that shocked the entire world. I encourage you to look them up and to find out exactly how horrible this was in the importance of this situation today," she added. The 64-year-old Tahawwur Rana was handed over to Indian authorities on April 9, following the completion of all legal procedures. A National Investigation Agency (NIA)-led team brought the Pakistani-origin Canadian national to India on Thursday evening, and is likely to be questioned on Friday. According to PTI reports, Rana will now face trial on 10 criminal charges for his alleged involvement in planning the attacks that claimed the lives of 166 people, including six Americans. Rana had been fighting extradition for years. Most recently, he submitted an emergency application on February 27, 2025, requesting a stay of his extradition, citing fears of torture and inadequate medical care in Indian detention facilities. His application highlighted his deteriorating health, listing a history of heart attacks, Parkinson’s disease, chronic kidney disease, asthma, and suspected bladder cancer. Initially denied by US Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, Rana renewed his plea and directed it to Chief Justice John Roberts. However, the court declined his application on April 4, clearing the path for his extradition. What was Rana's role in the Mumbai terror attack? Investigations by Indian agencies have revealed that Rana played a crucial role in supporting David Coleman Headley, who conducted reconnaissance for the 2008 attacks which killed 166 people, including six Americans,. Rana allegedly facilitated Headley by opening a Mumbai branch of his firm, ‘First World Immigration Services’, in 2006, providing him with a legitimate cover to survey target locations. A supplementary chargesheet filed in 2023 states that Rana visited India shortly before the attacks and stayed in a five-star hotel from November 11 to 21, 2008. The attacks began on November 26. Authorities have also cited emails that highlight Rana’s role as a conduit between Headley and Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI.
