Late Thursday, the US State Department reaffirmed its commitment to fighting global terrorism alongside India following the extradition of key conspirator Tahawwur Rana in the Mumbai 26/11 attacks from Washington DC to India.
“On April 9th, the United States extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face justice for his role in planning the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks… These attacks resulted in the tragic loss of 166 lives, including six Americans, that shocked the entire world,” ANI quoted US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce as saying.
Bruce mentioned that the US has consistently backed India’s initiatives to hold accountable those responsible for the attacks.
“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. He is in their possession, and we are very proud of that dynamic,” she added.
Earlier today, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) effectively secured the extradition of Rana following years of persistent and coordinated efforts to hold the main conspirator of the 2008 attacks accountable.
The NIA stated that Rana was in judicial custody in the US due to actions taken under the India-US Extradition Treaty for his extradition. The extradition ultimately occurred after Rana had utilized all legal options to prevent the transfer.
On Friday, a Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court ordered Rana to be held in NIA custody for 18 days.
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The anti-terror agency has provided convincing proof, such as emails from 26/11 Mumbai attacks suspect Tahawwur Rana, to support his police detention. The agency notified the court that custodial questioning is vital for revealing the malicious scheme. Investigators will additionally look into Rana’s involvement in coordinating the lethal terror attacks.
The NIA additionally mentions that, in connection with the criminal conspiracy, accused No. 1, David Coleman Headley, had talked about the complete operation with Tahawwur Rana prior to his trip to India. Foreseeing possible issues, Headley emailed Rana outlining his possessions and properties. He additionally notified Rana regarding the participation of Ilyas Kashmiri and Abdur Rehman in the plot.
