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Breaking major diplomatic and judicial news for India, the US Supreme Court has paved way for extradition of Tahawwur Rana, wanted in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case. It is this order that has kept India closer to seeking an accountability of Rana for his involvement in one of the bloodiest terror attacks on Indian soil.
Who Is Tahawwur Rana?
Tahawwur Hussain Rana is a Pakistani-Canadian businessman and close friend of David Coleman Headley, one of the planners of 26/11 attack. The terrorist attack on November 26-29, 2008 in Mumbai has claimed the lives of 166 people and affected hundreds of victims around the world and brought attention to the problem of international terrorism.
Rana’s Role in the 26/11 Attacks:
Rana was accused of using his immigration consultancy business to help Headley in identifying targets for the attacks.
A probe by Indian intelligence agencies said that Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi supplied logistical and financial support to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the terror group that planned the attacks.
Rana has been in jail in the US for other terror related offenses but India sought his extradition to stand trail for his involvement in the Mumbai attacks.
The US Supreme Court’s Decision
The direction given by India’s Supreme Court is the final chapter in India’s attempt for the last several years to pursue Rana for his crime.
Key Highlights of the Decision:
Extradition Cleared: A division bench dismissed an application challenging an extradition order lain by a single bench in favour of Rana’s extradition under the India-US Extradition Treaty.
Rejection of Appeals: To avoid extradition, Rana had moved the court several times with appeals that if sent to India, received unfair treatment. The judiciary of the United States threw out these allegations as a result of the strengthened legal framework of the Indian state.
India’s Assurance: The assurances given by the Indian governments to guarantee that proper trial processes and safety of Rana influenced the verdict of the court extensively.
Why Is This a Big Win for India?
The extradition of Tahawwur Rana holds immense symbolic and practical significance for India:
1. Justice for 26/11 Victims:
The extradition of Rana is right for the victims of the Mumbai attack and regard India’s promise of justice.
2. Strengthening Counterterrorism Efforts:
This extradition shows that counterterrorism cooperation at the international level is a conduit to achieving myriad objectives, including capturing crimitives on the run.
3. Diplomatic Success:
The decision indicates the effective bilateral relationship between India and the US, especially revealing that both countries are taking joint steps against global terrorism.
4. Message to Terror Groups:
The decision also has the meaning of the impossibility of escaping justice for the organizers and executors of terrorism.
Next Steps in Rana’s Extradition
While the US Supreme Court’s decision is a major milestone, several procedural steps remain before Rana is extradited to India:
Approval from US State Department:
Said extraditions must be approved by the US State Department, but the latter is expected to move swiftly following the court’s ruling.
Transfer to Indian Authorities:
Once extradition is cleared, Rana will be then transferred to the Indian Police…
Trial in India:
Rana will be tried in India for his complicity in the 26/11 attack under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other laws.
Reactions to the Decision
Indian Government:
It has been described as a major diplomatic victory in many quarters. The Indian authorities thanked the US judiciary and government for their help.
Victims’ Families:
For the families of the 26/11 victims it’s a step towards closure as they wait for justice for their beloveds.
Global Community:
The decision has been welcomed as a positive judical development for international law and counter terrorism measures, reiterating the necessity for multilateralism against terror.
