On Thursday, March 6, the US Supreme Court rejected an emergency application filed by Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, seeking to block his extradition to India. Rana had argued that he would face “torture” if sent to India.
According to the Supreme Court’s website, Justice Elena Kagan denied Rana’s application (24A852), removing a major legal hurdle in his extradition process.
Rana’s Legal Battle Against Extradition
Tahawwur Rana, 64, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani descent, is currently detained at a metropolitan detention center in Los Angeles. He is closely linked to David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani-American terrorist who played a crucial role in planning the Mumbai attacks.
Rana’s legal team had submitted an “Emergency Application for Stay” to the US Supreme Court, arguing that his extradition would violate US law and the United Nations Convention Against Torture. They claimed there were substantial grounds to believe he would be tortured in Indian custody, particularly as a Muslim of Pakistani origin.
Health Concerns Cited in Appeal
Rana’s lawyers also emphasized his deteriorating health, claiming that extradition to India would amount to a “death sentence.” Citing medical records from July 2024, they listed multiple serious health conditions, including:
- Multiple heart attacks
- Parkinson’s disease with cognitive decline
- Suspected bladder cancer
- Stage 3 chronic kidney disease
- A history of asthma, COPD, and past Covid-19 infections
- A life-threatening 3.5 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm at risk of rupture
His legal team argued that the stress of extradition could exacerbate these conditions, potentially leading to fatal consequences.
Final Steps Before Extradition
With the US Supreme Court rejecting his plea, Rana is now one step closer to being extradited to India, where he faces serious charges related to the Mumbai terror attacks. However, his legal team may still explore any remaining legal avenues before the process is finalized.
