Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian national, is accused of providing logistical and operational support for the 2008 Mumbai attacks that claimed 166 lives and injured over 300.
Rana was flown into Delhi aboard a special aircraft, which entered Indian airspace earlier today and landed at Palam Airport. Security at the airport was significantly heightened, with the deployment of:
Four Innovas and two Safaris for escort
Jammers to prevent remote-triggered threats
A Bomb Disposal Squad stationed on-site
The security was coordinated by Delhi Police, central intelligence agencies, and paramilitary forces, ensuring safe transit from the airport to the NIA headquarters.
Rana will undergo intensive interrogation by NIA officials, who have been building a case against him based on his links with David Coleman Headley, the Lashkar-e-Taiba operative who carried out reconnaissance missions in Mumbai prior to the 26/11 attacks.
The NIA has already filed a detailed chargesheet against Rana, and his extradition marks a significant step in holding international conspirators accountable for cross-border terrorism in India.
Rana’s arrival in India has reignited public outrage and emotional calls for justice, with many demanding capital punishment, similar to Ajmal Kasab, the sole surviving 26/11 terrorist who was captured alive and later executed in 2012.
Political leaders and security experts have welcomed the extradition, calling it a milestone in India’s global counterterrorism efforts.
“This is a long-awaited moment for the families of the 26/11 victims and for the country. It sends a strong message that India will pursue justice, no matter how long it takes,” said a senior government official.