Bail to 26/11 convict will strain ties with India, says US attorney

Washington, June 21

Describing 26/11 convict Tahawwur Rana, a Pak-origin Canadian businessman as a flight risk, the United States has opposed his release on bail, arguing that if he were to flee to Canada, he may escape the possibility of death sentence in India.

“Given the stakes, allowance of bail in any amount would not guarantee Rana’s presence in court. Granting bail would invite the possibility of embarrassing the United States in the conduct of its foreign affairs, straining its relationship with India,” Assistant United States Attorney John J Lulejian told a federal court in Los Angeles last week.

Rana (59) was ordered to be released from jail on compassionate grounds after he told a US court that he has tested positive for Covid-19. He was rearrested in Los Angeles on June 10 following an extradition request by India, where he is a declared fugitive. — PTI