Tahawwur Rana Seeks Emergency Stay on Extradition to India

UNITED STATES:
Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has approached the United States Supreme Court, seeking an emergency stay on his extradition to India. In his plea, Rana argued that his health and circumstances would not allow him to survive long enough to stand trial in India.

Through his appeal, Rana stated that without a stay, there would be no opportunity for judicial review, as the U.S. courts would lose jurisdiction over his case. He claimed that if extradited, he would face a high likelihood of torture due to his Pakistani origin, Muslim identity, former military background, and alleged ties to the 26/11 attacks. Rana asserted that such treatment would be fatal, especially given his chronic health conditions.

Citing the 2023 World Report by Human Rights Watch, Rana argued that the BJP-led Indian government systematically discriminates against religious minorities, particularly Muslims. He expressed fears that India’s current political environment would put him at an even greater risk of abuse.

In addition to political concerns, Rana highlighted his severe health issues, including a 3.5 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm, Parkinson’s disease with cognitive decline, and a mass suspected to be bladder cancer. He contended that being extradited to India would be akin to being thrown into a “hornet’s nest”, where he would be subjected to religious, national, and cultural hostilities.

Rana’s legal battle faced a setback after the U.S. Supreme Court recently rejected his review petition. Following this decision, former President Donald Trump announced that his administration had approved Rana’s extradition, referring to him as “very evil.”

A Pakistani-origin businessman, physician, and immigration entrepreneur, Rana has been accused of having connections with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He is known to be a close associate of David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani-American terrorist who played a key role in the November 26, 2008, Mumbai attacks.

Rana’s alleged involvement in facilitating the attacks has remained a long-standing issue in India-U.S. diplomatic relations. His extradition case continues to draw global attention, as legal and political discussions unfold over his fate.