New Delhi:
Former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde has lauded the decision to extradite Tahawwur Rana to India, calling it “a good thing” and a significant step towards justice for the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman, is accused of aiding the key conspirator David Headley in planning the attacks that killed over 160 people and injured hundreds.
Speaking to the media, Shinde emphasized the importance of international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. “India has waited a long time for this. If Rana is extradited and faces trial in India, it will show that no one can escape justice, no matter where they are,” he said.
Rana is currently in the United States and had been fighting extradition in American courts. However, a U.S. judge recently cleared the way for his extradition to India, citing sufficient evidence linking him to the Mumbai attacks. The Indian government had submitted extensive documentation to support its request, including charges related to conspiracy and involvement in a terror plot.
Shinde, who served as the Home Minister between 2012 and 2014, said the case underlines the need for continuous diplomatic engagement and coordination between countries to address global terrorism. He praised the efforts of both the Indian and U.S. legal systems in moving the case forward. “This is not just about justice for 26/11. It is about sending a message that terrorism has no place in any civil society,” he added.
He also mentioned that this development would provide a sense of closure to many of the families who lost their loved ones in the attacks. “The people of India still carry the scars of 26/11. Every step we take toward justice matters,” Shinde noted.
Legal experts believe that once Rana is extradited, he will face trial under Indian anti-terrorism laws, including charges filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). His arrival in India is expected to reignite public attention on the 26/11 case and further highlight India’s commitment to bringing all culprits to justice.
The 2008 Mumbai attacks remain one of the deadliest terror incidents in India’s history, and the extradition of a key accused marks a potentially pivotal moment in the country’s legal and diplomatic efforts.
