Rana Admits “Indians Deserved It” After Attacks

The extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India marks a significant development in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, including the six American citizens who perished. Rana, a 64-year-old Pakistani-born Canadian, arrived in Delhi on Wednesday after years of legal battles to avoid facing charges in India. He stands accused of conspiracy with David Coleman Headley, a key plotter of the devastating attacks carried out by the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, intercepted communications reveal a disturbing sentiment expressed by Rana following the attacks. He allegedly told Headley that the Indian victims “deserved it,” and even commended the nine LeT terrorists killed during the assault, suggesting they be awarded Pakistan’s highest military honor, the Nishan-e-Haider. This alleged statement underscores the deeply troubling ideological motivations potentially fueling the conspiracy.

Rana’s role, as outlined by U.S. authorities, involved providing a fraudulent cover for Headley, enabling him to travel to Mumbai and conduct surveillance of potential targets. A former Pakistani army medic, Rana emigrated to Canada in 1997 before establishing businesses in the United States, including a law firm and a slaughterhouse. He allegedly agreed to open a branch of his immigration business in Mumbai, placing Headley – who had no immigration experience – in charge.

The Justice Department detailed how Rana allegedly assisted Headley in submitting false information on visa applications to Indian authorities and provided supporting documentation through an unwitting business partner. Over a two-year period, Headley reportedly met with Rana in Chicago, detailing his surveillance activities, LeT’s responses, and the group’s plans for attacking Mumbai.

Rana was initially arrested in the U.S. in 2009 and charged with conspiracy, waging war against India, murder, and forgery under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. His extradition followed the rejection of his appeal to remain in the U.S., where he was already serving a sentence related to a separate LeT-linked plot.

The case highlights the complex international dimensions of terrorism and the challenges of bringing perpetrators to justice. While Headley is already serving a 35-year sentence in the U.S. for his role in the attacks, Rana’s extradition signifies a renewed commitment to holding all those involved accountable, regardless of their location or citizenship. The trial in India will undoubtedly shed further light on the full extent of the conspiracy and the motivations behind this horrific act of violence.