New Delhi, 17th August 2023: Tensions have escalated as Pakistan intensively monitors the extradition case of Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian businessman of Pakistani origin, linked to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Exclusive communications obtained by News18 reveal that Pakistan’s Embassy in the United States is closely following Rana’s legal proceedings, signaling the nation’s apprehensions regarding his potential extradition to India.
Rana’s alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks has raised concerns in Pakistan about the possibility of sensitive operational details being exposed during the extradition process. There are fears that this could implicate elements within the Pakistani government and military. Pakistan’s Embassy in Washington has informed its Consulate in Los Angeles to closely track Rana’s situation, especially since his Habeas Corpus appeal, contesting extradition to India, was recently dismissed.
Tahawwur Rana, a former Pakistani Army doctor who turned LeT terrorist, has been in detention in Los Angeles for over a year. The Biden administration has endorsed Rana’s extradition to India, advising a California court to reject his habeas corpus petition. India had requested Rana’s provisional arrest in June 2020, and his extradition process is currently underway after receiving approval from a US court in May.
E Martin Estrada, the US attorney for the Central District of California, has highlighted the lack of substantial evidence in Rana’s petition to counter India’s extradition request. Rana’s legal representative has expressed concerns about violating the US-India extradition treaty due to his prior acquittal in a separate case. The attorney further argued that the evidence provided by India does not convincingly establish probable cause for the charges.
In response, the US attorney has challenged Rana’s assertion of innocence, particularly regarding inaccuracies in his visa application. Rana’s connection to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the group responsible for the 26/11 attacks that claimed 166 lives, including six Americans, has linked him to the tragic event. The National Investigation Agency of India is actively pursuing Rana’s extradition through diplomatic channels due to his alleged involvement in the attacks.
The situation surrounding Tahawwur Rana’s extradition is poised to have far-reaching implications, potentially uncovering critical insights into the 2008 Mumbai attacks and affecting diplomatic relations between India, Pakistan, and the United States.
