Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Canadian businessman of Pakistani origin, has been declared extraditable to India under the US-India extradition treaty, according to a federal court statement by Assistant US Attorney Bram Alden. Rana, who is currently in a Los Angeles jail, is sought in India for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that left 166 people dead and 239 injured.
Alden, representing the US government, argued before the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that the extradition is justified under the plain provisions of the treaty. “India has established probable cause to prosecute him for his role in terrorist attacks,” Alden asserted during his closing arguments.
Rana, 63, had previously filed a writ of habeas corpus in May challenging the US District Court’s order that approved his extradition. His attorney, John D. Cline, contended that there is no competent evidence supporting probable cause and raised concerns about double jeopardy, as Rana was previously acquitted by an American jury.
Alden countered that the evidence against Rana is overwhelming. “He met with [David] Headley multiple times and provided fake visa applications to facilitate surveillance in India,” Alden said. Headley, a Pakistani-American terrorist, is one of the main conspirators of the Mumbai attacks.
The court heard that Rana had been informed of the impending attacks by co-conspirators in Pakistan and praised the execution of the attacks, which resulted in significant casualties and economic damage, costing India an estimated USD 1.5 billion.
The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, often referred to as India’s 9/11, involved ten Pakistani terrorists who laid siege to multiple locations in Mumbai, including the Taj Mahal Hotel, bars, restaurants, and the Chabad House.
Alden emphasized that India’s request for Rana’s extradition is legitimate under the treaty, stating, “India has every right to prosecute this case.” He also noted that any humanitarian concerns or objections regarding the process can be addressed to the Secretary of State. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision on Rana’s appeal remains pending.
