Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis thanks Prime Minister Narendra Modi for securing the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key planner behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for securing the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Speaking to the media and expressing his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Fadnavis said,”The US has agreed to the extradition of the mastermind behind planning the 26/11 attacks, Tahawwur Rana. I thank PM Modi for this… Previously, we did an online investigation, which proved Pakistan’s hand behind the attack. He was under America’s protection, and they were not ready to extradite him… After PM Modi’s efforts, President Trump has agreed to it… I consider this as a very important event…”

Rana, a Pakistani-origin businessman, was a key player in the 2008 attacks that claimed 174 lives, including 26 foreigners. His extradition was long awaited, with previous hurdles in the form of US protection.
However, following extensive diplomatic negotiations, US President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday that his administration had cleared Rana’s extradition to India.
The extradition follows a major push from India, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirming that logistical arrangements for Rana’s surrender are underway.
Rana’s involvement in the attacks, primarily alongside co-conspirator David Headley, is widely documented. Headley’s cooperation in the investigation against Rana helped bring this pivotal moment closer.
With the extradition now approved, the next step is the formal handover of Rana to Indian authorities.
The development marks a significant step towards justice for the victims of the 26/11 attacks, which saw coordinated terror strikes on Mumbai’s Taj Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and Nariman House.