![Tahawwur Rana, Accused of 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack, Granted Extradition To India By US Court](http://media.assettype.com/sinceindependence%2F2023-05%2F823f7894-adad-4fed-8f5d-c69dab7970b6%2FMumbai_attack.webp?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inaugural state visit to the United States, a federal court has granted India's extradition request for the Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana.
Rana is wanted in India for his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
India's pursuit of justice in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks sees a significant triumph as US Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Chooljian, from the District Court of the Central District of California, issues a 48-page order on Wednesday affirming the extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India.
The judge stated that Rana "should be extradited to India" based on the extradition treaty between the United States and India.
In a court order dated May 16, which was subsequently released to the public on Wednesday, US Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Chooljian from the US District Court of California stated that she has thoroughly examined and taken into account all the documents presented in favour of and against the Request.
The judge also considered the arguments presented during the hearing. The court order spans 48 pages.
The Indian government has accused Tahawwur Rana of collaborating with his childhood friend David Coleman Headley, also known as "Daood Gilani," and others, in the planning and implementation of the Lashkar terrorist attacks in Mumbai.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India is looking into his involvement in the 2008 26/11 attacks carried out by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militants.
The NIA has stated that it is prepared to launch diplomatic actions to bring him to India.
In court hearings, attorneys from the US Government put forth the argument that Rana knew his childhood friend, Pakistani-American David Coleman Headley's involvement with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
They claimed that by providing assistance to Headley and facilitating his activities, Rana was indirectly supporting the terrorist organization and its affiliates.
Rana was aware of Headley's meetings, what was said, and the attack strategy, including some of the targets.
According to the US government, Rana was alleged to be part of the conspiracy and had engaged in the actual commission of a terrorist act.
The judge concluded that an ample amount of reliable evidence has been presented to establish reasonable grounds that Rana, the individual sought by India for extradition, is indeed the person charged in India.
The judge further affirmed that Rana is accused of committing the mentioned offences for which extradition has been requested.