Tahawwur Rana (File Image)
Tahawwur Rana, who is a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, has shifted base to avoid extradition to India on health risks and risk of torture grounds. Rana had been previously convicted in the US for aiding the banned terror group LeT and is an Indian fugitive for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks where over 174 people lost their lives.
US Former President Donald Trump announced Rana's extradition at a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi welcomed the step, calling it an important move towards providing justice to the victims of the attack.
Rana has also approached the US Supreme Court to prevent his extradition, worried that he would be ill-treated as a Muslim and Pakistani origin due to his roots. He even mentioned severe illness, including arterial disease, Parkinson's disease, and probable cancer, for which he sought protection, arguing that these diseases make him vulnerable to torture. "I will suffer terrible torture due to my background," Rana argued in his appeal.
Indian officials are ready to extradite Rana. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was adamant that Indian jails can accommodate high-profile prisoners such as Rana. "We had Ajmal Kasab in our jails; there is no security issue here," asserted Fadnavis.
Rana, an immigration consultant and retired Pakistani Army doctor, was arrested in 2009 in the US on charges of assisting LeT and conspiring to carry out attacks, including the Mumbai terrorist attacks. Rana has been connected with David Coleman Headley, the master plotter of attacks and the man who operated Rana's firm as a cover for spying against India.
Rana's extradition is a major step towards bringing to justice the masterminds behind one of India's deadliest terror attacks.
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