New Delhi: The much-awaited extradition process of Tahawwur Hussain Rana is complete.
Rana, India’s most wanted for his role in the dreadful 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, landed here on Thursday evening after being extradited from the US.
The special flight, which took off from Los Angeles on Wednesday, arrived at Delhi’s Palam technical area.
On landing, the 64-year-old Rana was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Rana has been charged with criminal conspiracy, waging war against the Indian government, murder and forgery.
After preliminary formalities, Rana will be taken to the NIA headquarters and then presented to Delhi’s Patiala House court.
Advocate Piyush Mishra to represent Rana
Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan, who led India’s arguments for the extradition of Rana in a US court, will lead the NIA’s prosecution in Delhi.
On the other hand, advocate Piyush Mishra will represent Rana before the NIA court.
Special NIA judge Chander Jit Singh will preside over proceedings against 26/11 attack mastermind at the Delhi court.
Thereafter, Rana is likely to be lodged in the high-security Tihar jail.
He will eventually be moved to Mumbai to face trial, according to government sources.
Rana’s extradition comes two months after President Donald Trump announced, during PM Modi’s visit, that his administration had approved the extradition of the “very evil” Rana.
“He is going to be going back to India to face justice,” President Trump had said.
A Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, Chicago-based Rana is accused of playing a key role in the 2008 terror attacks that cost 166 lives.
Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, prime accused in the 26/11 attack, said Rana had extended logistical and financial support for the terror operation.
