According to official sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India is preparing to initiate proceedings following the possible extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman and accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, from the US to India by next month. Rana had been arrested in the US on an extradition request by India for his alleged involvement in the attacks. The NIA is currently investigating his role in the attacks carried out by Pakistani terrorists in 2008. If the extradition request is granted, the NIA will initiate proceedings to bring Rana to India through diplomatic channels. The final decision regarding the extradition request is expected by May 20. A US court had recently dismissed a status conference motion filed by Rana’s lawyer, stating that it anticipates a ruling on his extradition to India within 30 days. Rana knew of Headley’s meetings, what was discussed, and the planning of the attacks, including some of the targets.
The US government asserted that Rana was part of the conspiracy and there is probable cause that he committed the substantive crime of commissioning a terrorist act. According to federal prosecutors in the US, Tahawwur Rana was aware of his childhood friend David Coleman Headley’s involvement with Lashkar-e-Taiba and assisted him by providing cover for his activities, thereby supporting the terrorist organization and its associates. They have also argued that Rana knew about the planning of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, including some of the targets. The US government has asserted that Rana was part of the conspiracy and committed the substantive crime of commissioning a terrorist act
