Mumbai: With US authorities giving the final go-ahead for the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana, political reactions in India have intensified. On Wednesday, Shiv Sena spokesperson Raju Waghmare made a provocative statement, demanding Rana’s execution in a public encounter to serve as a stern warning to potential terrorists.
“The Shiv Sena demands that he should be killed in encounter in full public view. Such terrorists should be killed in encounter to give a message that this would be the result if any terrorist attacks India,” he was quoted by news agency PTI.
About Tahawwur Rana’s Extradition From US
Rana’s extradition is now imminent after the US Supreme Court rejected his final appeal earlier this month. The 64-year-old, currently lodged in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, had earlier filed an emergency petition to stop his transfer to India, which was also denied. With all legal hurdles now cleared, Indian officials have confirmed that a multi-agency team is already in the US to complete the required documentation and facilitate his return.
Jails Being Readied In Delhi & Mumbai
According to reports quoting sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will take immediate custody of Rana upon his arrival in India. Although the final destination is yet to be confirmed, he is likely to be flown into Mumbai, where the 2008 attacks unfolded. Special jails with high-security cells like Delhi’s Tihar jail and Mumbai’s Arthur Road prison are being prepared for his detention, and he is expected to remain in NIA custody for the first few weeks for interrogation.
Rana’s Involvement In 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack
Rana is accused of playing a key role in aiding David Coleman Headley in conducting reconnaissance of the attack sites of the deadly 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. Headley, who was later convicted in the US, had confirmed Rana’s involvement during his testimony. Rana’s links to the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have been well-documented, and Indian investigators have long sought his extradition to bring him to justice for the attacks that claimed 166 lives.
