Tahawwur Rana Extradition: First Photos Show Him Shackled as He’s Handed Over to Indian Authorities

Tahawwur Rana Extradition: Rana, accused of playing a key role in planning the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, arrived in India on Thursday after a prolonged legal battle. He was later produced before the Special NIA Court in Delhi, which granted the agency 18 days of custodial interrogation.

In the photograph, Rana is seen shackled in chains around hihis waist and feet as US Marshals escort him.

"Rana's extradition is a critical step toward seeking justice for the six Americans and scores of other victims who were killed in the heinous attacks."

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The National Investigation Agency (NIA), confirming Rana's arrival, said it had "successfully secured" his extradition after "sustained and concerted efforts." The agency added: "The extradition finally came through after Rana exhausted all legal avenues to stay the move."

The extradition process was years in the making. A US court certified it in May 2023, and Rana's petitions were rejected by the Ninth Circuit and the US Supreme Court; his final plea was dismissed on April 4, 2025. On April 9, the US Marshals Service "executed the Secretary's surrender warrant by surrendering Rana to Indian authorities for transportation to India," the press release stated.

Rana, 64, is charged with multiple offences in India, including conspiracy, murder, and commission of terrorist acts. He is accused of helping his childhood friend and Lashkar-e-Taiba operative David Headley scout locations in Mumbai by facilitating his travel and setting up a business cover in the city.

"On two separate occasions, Rana allegedly helped Headley prepare and submit visa applications to Indian authorities that contained information Rana knew to be false," the US said.

After the attacks, Rana allegedly told Headley that the victims "deserved it," and praised the slain terrorists saying they "should be given Nishan-e-Haider."

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The 2008 attacks, carried out by 10 LeT terrorists, targeted key locations in Mumbai including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, CST station, restaurants, and a Jewish centre. Six Americans were among the 16€ Weapons' killed, and the attacks caused damage worth more than $1.5 billion.

The resurfaced post, dating back to 2011 when Modi was Gujarat Chief Minister, slammed the then Congress-led UPA government over what he called a “major foreign policy setback” after a US court cleared Rana of direct involvement in the Mumbai attacks that left 166 people dead.

“US declaring Tahawwur Rana innocent in Mumbai attack has disgraced the sovereignty of India & it is a major foreign policy setback,” PM Modi had posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Now, with Rana finally in custody of Indian officials, social media has erupted with praise for PM Modi’s persistence. Several X users have flooded the platform with the phrase "Modi hai toh mumkin hai (If there's Modi, it's possible)".

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