26/11 Accused Tahawwur Rana Appeals To Chief Justice Roberts Against Extradition To India

Days after US Supreme Court Judge Elena Kagan rejected his review petition, Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has filed an appeal with US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, requesting a halt to his extradition to India on health grounds.

According to the US Supreme Court's website, Rana's plea has been circulated among the judges for discussion during a scheduled conference on April 4, 2025. He is seeking a stay on his extradition while litigation over his habeas corpus petition continues.

What Rana Said In The Court?

In his appeal, Rana's legal team stated, "Petitioner Tahawwur Rana has renewed his Emergency Application for Stay Pending Litigation of Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus, which was previously addressed to Justice Kagan, and requests that the renewed application be directed to Chief Justice Roberts."

Justice Kagan had earlier denied his request for a stay, prompting Rana to reiterate his concerns that his health would not allow him to survive long enough for a trial in India. The designated terrorist warned that if extradited without a stay, US courts would lose jurisdiction over his case, placing him in "imminent danger of death."

Rana also argued that extradition to India would expose him to torture due to his religious background and Pakistani heritage. He cited multiple factors contributing to his vulnerability, including his past association with the Pakistani Army, the nature of the terrorism charges against him, and his deteriorating health.

Medical reports submitted by Rana's legal team highlight his fragile condition, listing ailments such as a 3.5 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm at high risk of rupture, Parkinson's disease with cognitive decline, and a suspected bladder cancer mass. Given these health issues, Rana contends that being extradited would be akin to sending him into a "hornet's nest," where he would be at significant risk.

Extradition Process Gains Momentum

The extradition process gained momentum earlier this year when former US President Donald Trump, during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, confirmed that Rana would be sent to India to face justice.

Rana, a Pakistani-origin businessman and former physician, has long been under scrutiny for his ties to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He is also a known associate of David Coleman Headley, one of the key conspirators behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks. His alleged role in facilitating the attacks has remained a significant point of discussion in India-US relations for years.