Tensions Rise As Pakistan Monitors Extradition Case Of Tahawwur Rana Linked To 2008 Mumbai Attacks

New Delhi, 17th August 2023: The Pakistan Embassy in the United States has communicated with its Consulate in Los Angeles, urging them to closely monitor the extradition case of Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian businessman of Pakistani origin. Exclusive communications obtained by News18 reveal Pakistan’s concerns regarding Rana’s extradition, particularly due to his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, for which India seeks his extradition.

This action implies Pakistan’s apprehension that Rana’s extradition could potentially unveil the operational methods behind the 26/11 attacks, potentially implicating elements of the government and military. The Pakistan Embassy in Washington has informed the Los Angeles Consulate that Rana’s legal team’s Habeas Corpus appeal, which contested his extradition to India, has been dismissed.

The Consulate, responsible for overseeing Rana’s confinement, has been instructed to provide regular updates to the Embassy about Rana’s situation. Rana, a former Pakistani Army doctor turned LeT terrorist, has been in detention in Los Angeles for more than a year.

In the previous month, the Biden administration had advised a California court to reject Rana’s habeas corpus petition, advocating for his extradition to India in connection with the Mumbai attacks. India had requested Rana’s provisional arrest in June 2020. Following the approval of a US court in May, Rana’s extradition process is currently underway while he remains detained in Los Angeles.

E Martin Estrada, the US attorney for the Central District of California, highlighted that Rana’s petition lacks substantial evidence to counter India’s extradition request. Rana’s legal representative expressed concerns about violating the US-India extradition treaty due to his prior acquittal. Additionally, the attorney argued that the evidence provided by India does not sufficiently establish probable cause for the charges.

The US attorney countered Rana’s assertion of not being aware of inaccuracies in his visa application. Rana’s affiliation with the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, responsible for the 26/11 attacks that resulted in 166 casualties, including six Americans, links him to the tragic event. The National Investigation Agency of India is actively seeking Rana’s extradition by employing diplomatic channels, owing to his purported involvement in the attacks.