Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Apr 9: Pakistan-origin Tahawwur Rana, accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is no longer in the custody of the US Bureau of Prisons, raising speculation about his imminent extradition to India.
The Bureau’s official website confirmed that Rana was "Not in BOP Custody as of: 04/08/2025," shortly after the US Supreme Court rejected his final appeal to block extradition to India. However, it remains unconfirmed whether Rana is already en route to India or has been transferred to another agency for the handover process.
Rana, a former Pakistani army doctor with Canadian citizenship, is wanted in India for aiding co-conspirator David Coleman Headley, who conducted reconnaissance missions ahead of the 26/11 attacks. While Rana was acquitted by a US jury of direct involvement in the Mumbai attacks, he was convicted on separate charges related to supporting terrorism and sentenced to over 10 years in prison.
Following his release due to health issues post-COVID-19, Rana was re-arrested in connection with India’s extradition request. His legal team made multiple attempts to block the extradition, arguing that he faced a real threat of torture in Indian custody. The application cited a UK precedent where an Indian-origin convict’s extradition was blocked over similar concerns.
However, these arguments were dismissed by Justice Elena Kagan and later by chief justice John Roberts, effectively exhausting Rana’s legal avenues.
The US department of Justice has yet to confirm the timeline of the extradition, but the Office of International Affairs is believed to be handling the final procedures. India has long sought Rana’s custody for his alleged role in planning and facilitating one of the worst terror attacks in the country’s history.
Notably, while Headley turned approver in the US and was shielded from extradition under a plea deal, Rana’s legal defences have now been dismissed at all levels. His extradition was first announced during a joint event at the White House by former President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020.
Indian authorities are expected to release a formal statement once Rana arrives in the country.