 "‘I’m a Muslim of Pakistan origin’: 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana moves US top court to block extradition")
The 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana has moved to the US Supreme Court to challenge his extradition order to India.
In his appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States, Rana asked for protection from the extradition citing health risks and possible ’torture’ in India.
“I will be tortured on the highest order since I am a Muslim of Pakistan origin," he told the top court, adding that he is a “walking time bomb” suffering from several health issues including a bulging artery, Parkinson’s and “possible cancer”.
Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, was found guilty in the United States of aiding the proscribed group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He is also sought by Indian authorities for his alleged involvement in enabling the Mumbai attacks, which resulted in over 174 fatalities.
Last month, US President Donald Trump confirmed Rana’s extradition to India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country.
“I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters (Tahawwur Rana) and one of the very evil people of the world, having to do with the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack to face justice in India," the US President said during a joint press conference with PM Modi.
When will he be extradited to India?
Reports say that the government of India is preparing for Rana’s extradition to India and that he could be brought to the country “in a matter of few weeks”.
Last month, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Our jails are ready for Rana…We kept Ajmal Kasab, so this is not a security threat.”
Upon his arrival in India, Rana is likely to be presented before a special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), where the agency will request his custody for further interrogation. His extradition is being hailed as a significant achievement for Indian authorities and the government.
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