India seeks extradition of ex-Pakistani army doctor Tahawwur Hussain Rana
Unlike David Coleman Headley who entered a plea bargain with the US, Rana can be extradited to India to face trial if India is able to convince the US of his role in plotting terror attacks in India.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is seeking the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a former Pakistan army doctor, who helped David Coleman Headley set up business in Mumbai. It is alleged that he helped carry out reconnaissance missions in India. Rana was convicted in the US for plotting terror strikes.
Unlike David Coleman Headley who entered a plea bargain with the US, Rana can be extradited to India to face trial if India is able to convince the US of his role in plotting terror attacks in India. To avoid the double jeopardy clause (a man cant be punished twice for the same crime), the NIA is not seeking his extradition for plotting 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks but for conspiring to organise mass casualty terror attack post 26/11.
"A request for extradition has been made to the US. The NIA had registered a case 04/09 against Rana, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Harkat ul Jihadi Islami (HuJI) for organising mass casualty terror attacks in India. We have a strong case and are hopeful,'' Sanjiv Singh, Inspector General (Investigations) NIA told MAIL TODAY.
The NIA is also seeking Rana's extradition in a case of forgery, where he is accused of having forged documents for David Coleman Headley to set up business in India. "He has so far been tried and found guilty of plotting the 26/11 terror attack in India. But NIA investigations seek his custody for plotting terror attacks after 26/11, including the conspiracy to target the National Defence College (NDC) in New Delhi, a Jewish centre and a popular tourist attraction in Pune,'' sources said.
Rana, a Pakistan army deserter had fled to the US. He sought David Headley's assistance to return to Pakistan. Headley in turn put him in touch with ISI officers
"Agencies are pursuing the matter effectively. All necessary steps will be taken to unravel the conspiracy and global assistance will be taken to bring the perpetrators of terror to justice,'' says Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Home.
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