Three weeks after US President Donald Trump announced the approval of the extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana, there has been little movement in the case. The Rana extradition delays have intensified as he, a Pakistani national, approached the US Supreme Court for an emergency stay against his extradition to India.
While the US has not provided a specific timeline for Rana’s extradition, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that both countries are coordinating the logistics for his surrender. On January 21, the US Supreme Court denied Rana’s review petition, as he is wanted in India for facilitating the Mumbai attacks that resulted in the deaths of 166 people.
Key Events in Rana’s Extradition Case
January 21, 2025: The US Supreme Court rejected Rana’s review petition, which sought to halt his extradition as ordered by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Coincidentally, newly confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar the same day.
February 11, 2025: A day before PM Modi’s visit to the US, Rubio formally authorized Rana’s extradition to India, adhering to relevant US laws and the US-India extradition treaty.
February 12, 2025: PM Modi arrived in Washington, D.C., for a meeting with President Trump.
February 13, 2025: Rana’s legal counsel received an official notification confirming the extradition decision from Oliver Lewis, an assistant legal adviser at the US Department of State. That same day, Rana’s legal team requested the full administrative records from the State Department regarding the extradition decision. They also sought details on any assurances from India concerning Rana’s medical treatment, but the government did not provide this information.
February 14, 2025: The US government submitted a declaration from Oliver Lewis, indicating that the extradition decision had taken Rana’s torture claims into account and aligned with the US Convention Against Torture.
February 19, 2025: The district court denied Rana’s request for a stay, thereby allowing the extradition process to continue. Subsequently, Rana filed a notice of appeal and an emergency stay application with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
February 21, 2025: The Ninth Circuit denied Rana’s request for a stay, further facilitating the extradition process.
February 28, 2025: The US government agreed to delay Rana’s extradition, contingent upon his filing a request with the Supreme Court before this date.
March 2, 2025: Rana filed a supplement to his emergency application, referencing the case of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, which had resulted in a stay of extradition due to concerns over torture in India.
March 5, 2025: The US Supreme Court officially acknowledged Rana’s emergency application, with a hearing date yet to be determined.
The Rana extradition delays continue to raise significant legal and diplomatic questions. For more updates on this case and related news, visit The Hans Bharat.
