Operation Tahawwur Hussain Rana

ALOK K. SHRIVASTAVA

Tahawwur Hussain Rana (THR), aged 64, one of the masterminds and conspirators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, has been extradited to India from Los Angeles after considerable and sustained efforts by agencies of the Government of India (GoI). He has been charged with criminal conspiracy, waging war against India, murder, and forgery.

Upon migrating to Canada in 1997 and acquiring Canadian citizenship in 2001, he later shifted to the USA, where he operated an immigration consultancy in Chicago. He had also run a similar setup in Mumbai prior to the attacks as a cover-up operation.

Pakistan has distanced itself from THR, citing the non-renewal of his documents. Additionally, Pakistan does not allow dual citizenship for migrants to Canada.

Israel, which lost six nationals in the 2008 attacks, has welcomed this notable extradition.

Three Black Days

Any mention of the 26/11 attacks brings back memories of those three black days—November 26 to 28, 2008—when just ten terrorists from LeT and HUJI wreaked havoc in Mumbai. Sites such as CST Railway Terminus, Hotel Taj Mahal, Hotel Trident, Leopold Café, Cama Hospital, and an Israeli center were attacked. At least 166 people were brutally killed, 238 were injured, and significant property was damaged. The victims’ families and survivors are naturally hopeful for justice and the conviction of THR. The horrors of this tragedy will continue to haunt those who lost loved ones.

Initial Reconnaissance

An ex-doctor with the Pakistan Army Medical Corps, THR facilitated the first visit of his school friend David Coleman Headley (DCH), alias Daood Gilani, to several Indian cities, providing logistical support. He was also in contact with Abdul Rahman in Dubai and Major Iqbal of the ISI. The operation was well-planned, coordinated, and executed across multiple locations.

U.S. Interest         

THR was arrested alongside DCH in Chicago on October 18, 2009. The U.S. government showed initial interest in the case since six of its citizens were also killed at the Taj Mahal Hotel. After a prolonged legal battle, he was finally extradited to India on April 10, 2025. The process involved over a decade of diplomatic, legal, and intelligence efforts.

Extradition Order

THR’s extradition was ordered by the Central District Court of California on May 16, 2023. He exhausted all legal avenues, including a plea to the U.S. Supreme Court, which was dismissed on January 21, 2025. President Trump confirmed the extradition on February 13, 2025.

Reconnaissance Tours

After securing a multi-entry Indian visa with THR’s help, DCH visited Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Goa, and other cities—even returning after the attacks in March 2009. THR visited India with his wife from November 13 to 21, 2008, touring Hapur, Delhi, Agra, Cochin, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. Given the ethnic similarities between Indians and Pakistanis, such preparatory visits raise serious concerns.

Intercepted Conversations

Intercepted calls between DCH and THR reveal THR stating, “Indians deserved it.” NIA plans to collect THR’s voice sample to match with recordings from 2008. However, given the 17-year gap and THR’s claimed Parkinson’s disease, results may be inconclusive.

Face-to-Face Encounter Desirable

Interrogating officers should consider arranging a face-to-face video conferencing session between DCH and THR. Their interaction could yield valuable insights and disclosures.

THR is currently in a high-security NIA cell under 24/7 surveillance. He will be interrogated further by teams from NIA and IB during his 14-day remand. The next phase is likely to be conducted in Mumbai—“Ground Zero” of the attacks.

To Recapitulate

THR was sentenced to 168 months in prison by a Chicago court on January 7, 2013. However, he was released on compassionate grounds on June 9, 2020—this decision demands scrutiny. His extradition plea was dismissed under the principle of “double jeopardy,” which he cited unsuccessfully.

Pertinent Points

• Pakistan continues to destabilize India through state-sponsored terrorism. THR may be part of a larger conspiracy.
• Why was DCH kept in a U.S. prison, while THR was extradited?
• Why did THR’s trial take over a decade in the U.S.?
• Despite the 1997 Indo-U.S. Extradition Treaty, very few fugitives have been extradited. Will this change?
• Now that THR is in Indian custody, efforts must be made to bring in others like Hafiz Saeed, Zakiur Rahman Lakhvi, Major Iqbal, Samir Ali, and Sajid Majid.
• The media’s attention on this case, though warranted, must also be balanced with coverage of other pressing national issues.

THR’s extradition is a significant step toward justice. But much remains to be done. His trial must be fast-tracked, and India must persist in bringing all perpetrators of 26/11 to book.