Washington, 25 January 2025: The US Supreme Court has cleared the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India.
On January 21, the court rejected Rana’s review petition challenging his conviction, marking the final legal hurdle for his extradition.
Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, had previously lost multiple appeals in federal courts, including the US Court of Appeals. His latest attempt came on November 13, 2024, when he filed a “petition for certiorari” before the Supreme Court.
However, US Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Preloger argued against his plea in a December 16 filing, asserting that Rana was not entitled to immunity from extradition.
The 2008 Mumbai attacks, orchestrated by Pakistani terrorist groups, resulted in the deaths of 166 people, including six Americans.
Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani-American terrorist and one of the primary planners of the attacks. Headley, who cooperated with US authorities, implicated Rana during investigations.
Rana is currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. With the Supreme Court’s decision, the US government is set to move forward with his extradition, aligning with its previous commitment to assist India in holding him accountable for his role in the deadly attacks.
