Tahawwur Rana en route India for 26/11 trial as US approves extradition

The 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused, Tahawwur Rana — considered a key conspirator in the case — is been extradited from the United States and is currently on his way to India, according to media reports.

The US Supreme Court yesterday, 8 April,.

A special aircraft carrying Rana left the US earlier today and is expected to land in New Delhi early tomorrow morning, with a scheduled stopover at an undisclosed location.

Sources quoted by said that the high-profile extradition is being carried out under tight security and is being personally monitored by India’s national security advisor , along with senior officials from the and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Rana, a Canadian businessman of origin, has long been accused of assisting David Coleman Headley — also known as Dawood Gilani — in planning the deadly attacks that claimed over 170 lives in Mumbai in November 2008.

Headley, who was later convicted in the United States, had carried out surveillance of several key targets, including hotels and landmarks that were eventually struck by operatives.

Rana is believed to have facilitated Headley’s travel documents and may have even visited Mumbai himself between 11 and 21 November 2008, staying at a hotel in Powai. Intelligence officials claim he reviewed some logistical preparations for the attacks during this time.

Just days later, on 16 November, 10 LeT terrorists launched one of the deadliest terror strikes in India’s history, coordinated with alleged support from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency.

Two high-security jails — in Delhi and Mumbai — have reportedly been placed on standby for Rana’s possible detention, based on security recommendations from the US authorities.

Once he lands, Rana will first be presented before a special NIA court in Delhi, after which the Mumbai Crime Branch is expected to take custody of the accused.

India had formally initiated the process for Rana’s extradition in June 2020. After a lengthy legal battle in the US courts, President Donald Trump greenlighted his transfer to India’s custody earlier this year, shortly after assuming the presidency.

The final hurdle was cleared last month when US Supreme Court justice Elena Kagan rejected Rana’s emergency application to stay the extradition. Rana had filed a petition on 27 February 2025, in an attempt to delay proceedings, but his request was denied.

The extradition marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to bring to justice all those involved in the planning and execution of the 26/11 attacks, beyond the lone gunman, , who was captured alive and later executed.

Rana’s arrival is being viewed as a breakthrough moment, and his questioning is expected to provide fresh insights into the operational support behind one of the most horrific terror incidents in modern history.