Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, has knocked on the doors of the Supreme Court of the United States, seeking an immediate stay to his extradition to India. The top court has taken Rana’s emergency application on record. However, the date of the hearing is yet to be decided.
In his plea, Rana has argued he would be “dead soon” if the US courts lose jurisdiction over him as he is a Muslim of Pakistani origin, which is why he would be subjected to torture and soon be killed.
Rana in his plea said, “If a stay is not entered, there will be no review at all, and the US courts will lose jurisdiction.”
Rana Cites Health Issues
Rana in his emergency application, has also cited his deteriorating health. He said he suffers many ailments, including a 3.5 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm at immediate risk of rupture, Parkinson’s disease with cognitive decline, and a mass suggestive of bladder cancer.
Trump Announces Extradition During PM Modi’s Visit
Earlier last month, US President Donald Trump, during PM Modi’s visit to the United States, announced that his administration had approved Rana’s extradition.
Who is Tahawwur Rana?
Apart from being accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, Rana is a former military doctor and businessman.
Tahawwur Rana, who is of Pakistani origin, holds Canadian citizenship. Rana was arrested in 2009 in Chicago for his ties to a Pakistan-backed terror network.
Rana’s childhood friend and co-conspirator David Headley, a US citizen, was arrested in October 2009 and was sent to 35 years in prison for his involvement in the terror attacks that rocked Mumbai. Soon after Headley’s arrest, the police arrested Rana. Rana’s lawyer argued that he had been duped by Headley, who planned the attacks.
Headley Becomes Government’s Witness
Headley agreed to become a government witness at Rana’s trial in Chicago in exchange for a reduced sentence. After Headley’s testimony Rana was sentenced to 14 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
