Working out logistics for Rana’s extradition from US, says Misri

The logistics of securing the surrender of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, are being worked out with the US, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Friday.

Misri stated that Rana has exhausted all legal avenues in the US, with the US Supreme Court also dismissing his appeal.

“We are working out the logistics with the US to get Rana to surrender to Indian authorities,” he added.

On January 21, the US Supreme Court declined to hear a petition from Rana. Last week, a spokesperson for the US State Department was quoted as saying, “The US has long supported India’s efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.”

Pakistani-origin businessman Rana was convicted for his role in the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, which resulted in the deaths of 164 people.

His co-conspirators included David Headley, who pleaded guilty and cooperated against Rana.

On January 21, the US Supreme Court denied a petition for a writ of certiorari filed by Rana in an attempt to prevent his extradition to India. The writ had been filed in November 2024 against an earlier lower court ruling that had approved his extradition.

The US, however, has refused to extradite Headley, alias Daood Sayed Gilani, for his role in the attacks.

Headley, who is currently imprisoned in Chicago, was responsible for surveying and selecting the locations targeted in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He entered into a plea bargain with the US Department of Justice that ensured he would not be extradited.