Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is expected to reach India on Wednesday. As a result, prisons in Delhi and Mumbai have quietly made special security arrangements. These steps follow specific instructions from the US judiciary regarding the extradition.

NIA to Take Initial Custody

To begin with, Rana will remain in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for the first few weeks. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs are overseeing the operation closely.

Rana’s Role in the Mumbai Attacks

Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, has strong links to the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He helped David Coleman Headley, also known as Dawood Gilani, travel to India on a Pakistani-American passport. Headley's goal was to find possible targets for the Mumbai terror attacks. LeT worked on this plan along with Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI.

Shockingly, Rana showed pride in the attacks. He reportedly said that the jihadis behind 26/11 “deserved Pakistan’s highest posthumous military honours.”

So far, only Ajmal Kasab has been convicted for the attack. He was captured alive during the 2008 siege in Mumbai.

US Confirms Rana’s Extradition

Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the extradition was complete. He stated, “Rana was going back to India to face justice.” This move came after years of effort by Indian authorities.

India formally requested Rana’s extradition in December 2019. Later, on June 10, 2020, India also filed a request asking the US to temporarily detain him to assist in the process.

Close Ties to ISI Mastermind

According to US court records, both India and the US agree that Rana and Headley were key players in planning the Mumbai attacks. They maintained close ties with Major Iqbal, an ISI officer who allegedly led the operation.

Investigators believe that Rana traveled to Mumbai from Dubai just before the attacks. He stayed at the Renaissance Hotel in Powai from November 11 to 21, 2008. Notably, the attacks took place only five days after he left the country.

FBI Arrested Rana in 2009

Furthermore, the US Department of Justice reported that the FBI arrested both Rana and Headley in 2009. At that time, they were plotting an attack on a Danish newspaper. They were also charged with providing support to LeT between 2005 and 2009.

Headley Testified About Their Plans

In court, Headley revealed that in early 2006, he and two LeT members discussed opening an immigration office in Mumbai. This office would serve as a front for spying. After returning to Chicago, Headley told Rana—his old schoolmate from Pakistan—that he was in India for this mission.

Evidence shows that Rana posed as Headley in emails sent to the Danish newspaper. By late 2009, they had agreed to use funds sent to Rana to support Headley’s plans in Denmark.

Rana Helped Headley Set Up Cover Office

Rana owned First World Immigration Services in Chicago and other cities. He allowed Headley to open a Mumbai branch under that name to mask the operation. Rana also helped Headley get a five-year visa, which he used to travel to India five times between 2007 and 2008 to scout targets.

Justice Department Details Rana’s Role

The US Justice Department stated, “Rana directed an individual associated with First World to prepare documents supporting Headley’s cover story, and advised Headley on how to obtain a visa for travel to India.”

Police Found Key Emails

Finally, Mumbai Police discovered email exchanges between Rana and Headley where they discussed ISI officer Major Iqbal. This adds to the growing evidence linking Rana to the 26/11 plot.