Tahawwur Rana’s extradition from the US has garnered widespread praise for PM Modi, with social media users celebrating his persistence in pursuing justice.
Who is Tahawwur Hussain Rana?
🔁 Resurfacing of PM Modi’s 2011 Tweet
- A 14-year-old tweet by PM Narendra Modi from 2011 went viral after Tahawwur Rana’s extradition to India.
- In the tweet, then Gujarat CM Modi criticized the Congress-led UPA government, calling Rana’s acquittal by a US court a “major foreign policy setback”.
- The tweet stated: “US declaring Tahawwur Rana innocent in Mumbai attack has disgraced the sovereignty of India & it is a major foreign policy setback.”
🙌 Public Reaction on Social Media
- After Rana’s extradition, social media users praised PM Modi for his persistence.
- Phrases like “Modi hai toh mumkin hai” trended on X (formerly Twitter).
- Users commented:
- “A leader who walks the talk. Captain my captain.”
- “You did it sir!! Kudos and thank you!”
✈️ Tahawwur Rana’s Extradition to India
- Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, was extradited from the US to India on Thursday.
- He had been fighting extradition on health and legal grounds.
- His return is seen as a major breakthrough in India’s pursuit of justice for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
🔐 Arrest and Investigation by Indian Authorities
- On arrival in Delhi, Rana was arrested by the NIA and placed under 18-day custody by a Delhi special court.
- He is accused of providing logistical support for the 2008 attacks.
- His role included:
- Helping co-accused David Coleman Headley conduct surveillance in Mumbai.
- Using his immigration consultancy firm to give Headley cover for operations.
- Helping Headley secure a long-term Indian visa and operate a front office in Mumbai.
- Communicating with other conspirators like ‘Major Iqbal’, a Pakistani intelligence officer.
📍 Link to 26/11 Mumbai Attacks
- Rana visited India in November 2008, days before the 26/11 attacks.
- According to the 2023 charge sheet by Mumbai Police:
- He stayed in a Powai hotel and discussed crowded South Mumbai locations with a witness.
- Many of these locations were later targeted in the attacks, including:
- Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
- Oberoi Trident Hotel
- Leopold Cafe
- Chabad House
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)
⚖️ India’s 16-Year Legal Battle
His extradition gained momentum following PM Modi’s visit to the US, where former President Donald Trump confirmed the process was underway.
Rana was first arrested in the US in 2009 and convicted in 2011 for supporting a terror group.
However, he was not convicted for direct involvement in the Mumbai attacks, triggering outrage in India.
He was sentenced to 14 years, but released on health grounds in 2020.
India submitted an extradition request, and after several legal appeals, he was finally handed over.
