In a major breakthrough for India’s counter-terrorism efforts, 26/11 Mumbai attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana is being extradited from the US and will land in Delhi today. Heavy security arrangements, including over 10 SWAT commandos, bulletproof vehicles, and multiple layers of protection, have been set up at Palam Technical Airport. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will arrest Rana upon arrival and take him directly to their high-security headquarters, where a medical check-up and court proceedings — possibly via video conferencing — are expected to follow. Rana is not only accused in the 26/11 case but is also involved in several other conspiracies against India. According to officials, he played an active role in Lashkar-e-Taiba’s terror plans, in collaboration with Pakistan’s ISI, and plotted attacks on key locations including Delhi’s National Defence College. The NIA had filed a separate FIR in 2009 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), giving the agency a 30-day custody window for interrogation. The entire NIA complex and surrounding areas have been sealed, with barricading in place and restricted access. This extradition is being hailed by Home Minister Amit Shah as a historic diplomatic success of the Modi government. Rana will remain in Delhi before being moved to Mumbai.
