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In a major breakthrough in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, a special NIA court on Friday remanded Tahawwur Hussain Rana to 18 days of custody with the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Rana, a key conspirator in the attacks that claimed 166 lives in 2008, arrived in India following his extradition from the United States, a pivotal moment in India’s long-running effort to bring him to justice.
Special Flight Brings Rana To Delhi
Rana, 64, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, had been living in Chicago before his extradition.
Indian officials flew him into Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, from Los Angeles aboard a special aircraft.
The flight was heavily secured and escorted by officers from both the NIA and the National Security Guard (NSG), including senior personnel involved in the investigation.
Upon landing, the NIA team formally arrested Rana after completing all required legal formalities.
Years Of Legal Battle Ends In Extradition
The NIA further confirmed in a statement that Rana’s extradition was the result of sustained and coordinated efforts by multiple Indian and American agencies.
The legal process began under the India-US Extradition Treaty and involved a lengthy judicial procedure in the United States, including an emergency appeal to the US Supreme Court, which ultimately denied his plea.
US Agencies Played Key Role
Indian authorities acknowledged the crucial assistance of several American institutions during the extradition process. These included:
- US Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs
- US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California
- US Marshals Service
- FBI’s Legal Attaché in New Delhi
- US State Department’s legal division
On the Indian side, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs were instrumental in securing the surrender warrant and coordinating with US counterparts.
Indian intelligence agencies also worked in close cooperation with the NIA throughout the process.
A Major Step Toward Justice In 26/11 Case
Rana’s return to Indian custody represents a significant advancement in India’s mission to hold all perpetrators of the 26/11 attacks accountable.
The attacks, which targeted multiple locations across Mumbai including the Taj Hotel and CST station, left 166 people dead and hundreds injured, leaving an indelible mark on India’s collective memory.
NIA To Intensify Interrogation
With Rana now in custody, the NIA is expected to intensify its interrogation to uncover deeper layers of the conspiracy.
Officials aim to extract critical information that could help identify additional collaborators and links to Pakistan-based terror networks.
As the investigation further progresses, authorities remain focused on bringing closure to one of the most devastating terror attacks in India’s history.
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