Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India following the US Supreme Court&rsquo;s rejection of his final appeal. The 64-year-old Pakistani-origin Canadian national reportedly departed the United States on a chartered flight Wednesday evening and is expected to land in New Delhi around noon today.
Although officials have not confirmed the precise arrival time or custody formalities, the US Bureau of Prisons has marked Rana as &ldquo;no longer in custody&rdquo; as of April 8, 2025.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is prepared to arrest him upon arrival and present him in a Delhi court. A high-security cell at Tihar Jail has been readied for his detention. &ldquo;All necessary arrangements have been made in the jail,&rdquo; a senior official said.
<h3>Security Tightened in Capital</h3>
Delhi Police&rsquo;s Special Cell, SWAT teams, and the Nayayik Abhiraksha Vahini (Judicial Protection Unit) have been deployed at Indira Gandhi International Airport and other sensitive sites. A jail van with a pilot escort has been dispatched, and outer perimeter security at NIA headquarters is being managed by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
A top-level NIA interrogation team&mdash;including two Inspectors General, a DIG, and a Superintendent of Police&mdash;is on standby. Intelligence agencies are expected to join the questioning.
Also see:&nbsp;<a style="color: rgb(186, 55, 42);" href="https://www.benefitnews.in/india/how-rana-s-extradition-may-unmask-pakistan-s-26-11-role/9316" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How Rana&rsquo;s Extradition May Unmask Pakistan&rsquo;s 26/11 Role</a>
Background and Legal Proceedings
Rana, a former Pakistani military doctor turned businessman, was arrested in the US for his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that claimed 166 lives. He is a known associate of David Coleman Headley (a.k.a. Daood Gilani), who confessed to conducting reconnaissance for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) ahead of the attacks. Both men have been linked to Pakistan&rsquo;s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Rana&rsquo;s extradition follows a prolonged legal battle in US courts. In January 2025, the US Supreme Court rejected his plea against extradition, effectively clearing the way for his transfer to India.
Trial Preparations Underway
The Ministry of Home Affairs has appointed Advocate Narender Mann as Special Public Prosecutor for the trial. He will represent the NIA in both trial and appellate courts for a term of three years or until the case concludes.
Rana faces multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code, including:
<ul>
<li class="p">Section 120B (Criminal Conspiracy)</li>
<li class="p">Section 121 (Waging War Against the Government of India)</li>
<li class="p">Section 302 (Murder)</li>
<li class="p">Section 465 (Forgery)</li>
</ul>
He is also charged under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Despite the national significance of the case, Mumbai Police have not yet received official communication regarding his transfer to the city, where the attacks occurred.
Next Steps
Following Rana&rsquo;s court appearance, the NIA is expected to seek extended custody for interrogation on his role in planning and facilitating the 26/11 attacks.
Rana&rsquo;s extradition marks a major milestone in India&rsquo;s efforts to bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks to justice&mdash;nearly 16 years after the carnage.
Voices from the Frontline: Hemant Bavdhankar Reacts Retired Mumbai Police Inspector Hemant Bavdhankar, part of the team that captured Ajmal Kasab during the 2008 attacks, has welcomed Tahawwur Rana&rsquo;s extradition, calling it &ldquo;a significant achievement&rdquo; for India. He praised the NIA&rsquo;s efforts and said the move fulfils the long-standing national demand for justice. Recalling the night of the attacks, Bavdhankar paid tribute to his colleague Tukaram Omble, who lost his life while restraining Kasab, and said Pakistan&rsquo;s role via Lashkar-e-Taiba and the ISI had been &ldquo;exposed.&rdquo;
(With agency input)
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Rana was arrested in the US for his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that killed 166

Tight security in place, Tihar Jail readied for detention, Narender Mann named special public prosecutor

26/11 Trial: Tahawwur Rana Set to Arrive in Delhi

Tight security in place, Tihar Jail readied for detention, Narender Mann named special public prosecutor

April 10, 2025 | 11:52 IST