The US Supreme Court denied terrorist Tahawwur Rana’s urgent request for a stay on his extradition, bringing him one step closer to being sent to India. Rana was a major suspect in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
The Canadian-born terrorist Rana, who is of Pakistani descent, had petitioned the Supreme Court, claiming that his extradition would result in torture and be a “de facto death sentence” because of his health issues and his religious background as a Muslim of Pakistani descent.
Associate Justice Elena Kagan rejected his application in spite of these allegations, opening the door for his extradition to India.
In a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump had previously approved Rana’s extradition, which was a major step in the two nations’ joint efforts to deal with criminal cases.
Rana helped David Coleman Headley, a major conspirator in the 26/11 attacks, scout targets in India by giving him fictitious credentials.
For years, the extradition process has been going on, and Rana’s legal team has tried a number of appeals to stop it.
In bringing Rana to justice in India for his involvement in the attacks that claimed over 170 lives, including foreigners, the US Supreme Court’s decision to reject his plea is regarded as a major step.
Although there is little chance of an appeal being successful, Rana’s lawyers have appealed directly to US Chief Justice John Roberts after the denial.
With plans in place to arrest Rana upon his arrival, India has been preparing the logistics of his extradition.
