New Delhi [ India ], April 10 (ANI): Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev on Tuesday termed the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana to India regarded as "a step forward," emphasizing its importance for fairness and India - US cooperation.
Rana stands accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, during which innocent individuals lost their lives, and he is anticipated to face trial soon. India .
Talking to ANI about this issue, extradition According to Sachdev, "This is a positive step—firstly toward achieving justice for those who perished during that time, and secondly promoting collaboration between India and America."
He stressed that the questioning of Rana would offer India And notify authorities who possess crucial details, as the proceedings have advanced to a point where the defendants can no longer pursue legal remedies.
" India He will gain substantial knowledge from the questioning process... It’s impossible for him to evade or seek legal remedies... He will be transferred to our country’s intelligence authorities. FBI , and the NIA "Will head out and bring him to the countryside," Sachdev added.
In the meantime, ex-diplomat KP Fabian, although approving of the situation, welcomed the US choice, observed that even though the India Without the government offering convincing proof, it took 17 years. Tahawwur Rana He was also critical of the U.S. judicial procedures and expressed opposition to extradition.
"While we welcome the US decision, it's crucial to recognize that the 26/11 attacks happened in 2008, and it took 17 years for extradition --despite India providing credible evidence early on. Had the roles been reversed, and an accused in the 9/11 attacks were in India , the US "I would not have allowed this to drag on for so long. The U.S. legal system moves slowly, and multiple governments had the opportunity to act more quickly..." Fabian stated to ANI on Wednesday.
On April 7th, the Supreme Court of the United States rejected Tahawwur Rana "s request to remain extradition to India . On March 20, 2025, Rana submitted an urgent petition to Chief Justice Roberts, requesting a halt to the proceedings against him extradition .
"The application for stay submitted to The Chief Justice and forwarded to the Court has been denied," according to the Supreme Court’s order dated Monday, April 7.
As stated by the Mumbai Crime Branch, an initial report alleging criminal conspiracy involving Rana was filed by them. NIA in Delhi following the deadly November 2008 attacks in which over 160 people were killed.
The ongoing extradition process pertains to that case. However, officials clarified that it is yet to be determined whether Mumbai Police can seek his custody for any local investigation linked to the attacks.
"Only after examining the grounds of extradition will it be clear whether custody can be sought by the Mumbai Crime Branch in this matter," sources said.
Sources added that the Mumbai Police has not received any formal communication so far regarding Rana's transfer to the city for questioning or judicial proceedings.
Tahawwur Rana , a Pakistani-Canadian national, was convicted in the US for the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives and providing material support to the group responsible for the Mumbai attacks that killed over 174 people. (ANI)
