Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 10: The extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana — a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks — has triggered a wave of political reactions in India, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut calling for his immediate execution, while the BJP hailed it as a major diplomatic success.
Rana, a 64-year-old Canadian national of Pakistani origin, arrived in Delhi on Thursday afternoon aboard a special flight escorted by Indian security and intelligence officials. His return marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of justice over the 26/11 attacks that claimed 166 lives.
Reacting to the development, Raut demanded that Rana be hanged without delay. “He should be executed immediately. But knowing this government, they’ll time it for maximum political mileage during the Bihar elections,” Raut said, making a pointed political remark.
He added that the effort to bring Rana to India wasn’t a recent initiative. “This battle started 16 years ago under the Congress-led government. No one should try to claim sole credit,” Raut asserted.
Drawing parallels, he reminded that this isn’t the first high-profile extradition India has achieved. “Let’s not forget Abu Salem was also brought back in a similar manner,” he said.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), in a statement, described Rana’s extradition as the result of “years of sustained, coordinated efforts” between Indian and U.S. authorities. The operation involved the NIA, the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, U.S. Department of Justice, and other agencies.
“The extradition is a culmination of close cooperation and high-level coordination across multiple agencies, both Indian and American,” the NIA said.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Ashok Chavan welcomed the development, calling it a moment of justice for the victims of the 26/11 attack. “This is a big win for India, both diplomatically and legally. It’s a step closer to holding all the conspirators accountable,” he said.
He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of the case, particularly the diplomatic engagement with the U.S., which resulted in the American Supreme Court rejecting Rana’s appeals against extradition.
Chavan also pointed out that India has a history of successfully bringing back fugitives like Abu Salem, Chhota Rajan, and Ravi Pujari. “This adds to that list and reaffirms India’s commitment to tracking down those who orchestrate terror against its people,” he said.
Raut, meanwhile, used the occasion to highlight another sensitive issue — the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, currently on death row in Pakistan. “If we can bring back Rana, we should also bring back Kulbhushan Jadhav. He’s an Indian citizen wrongfully detained,” Raut said, urging the government to intensify diplomatic pressure on Islamabad.
As the political narrative around Rana’s return builds, his interrogation is expected to offer deeper insights into the wider conspiracy behind the Mumbai attacks and potentially expose new leads in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism.