Fadnavis says Rana will be kept in Maharashtra jail
CM Devendra Fadnavis thanked PM Modi as US approved the extradition of 26/11 mastermind Tahawwur Rana, calling it a major step for justice
Mumbai: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts that paved the way for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, the alleged mastermind of the Mumbai 26/11 terror attacks in 2008. Finally, the long wait is over and justice will be done, Mr. Fadnavis said.
Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, was a key player in the 2008 terror attacks that claimed 174 lives, including 26 foreigners. His long awaited extradition has finally been approved by US president Donald Trump.
“The US has agreed to the extradition of the mastermind behind planning the 26/11 attacks, Tahawwur Rana. I thank PM Modi for this…I consider this as a significant development. Finally, the long wait is over and justice will be done,” Mr. Fadnavis said.
Giving credit to the PM, the Maharashtra chief minister said initially the US was reluctant to hand over Rana to India. “He was under America’s protection, and they were not ready to extradite him. But due to the initiative of the Prime Minister, extradition of Tawwahur Rana has been in a way cleared by US President Donald Trump. I believe this is very significant for India. Because it is very important that the criminals should get punishment through our judicial and legal process,” he said.
Indicating that Rana, whenever he is extradited to India, will be lodged in a Maharashtra jail, Mr. Fadnavis said, “We kept Ajmal Kasab in our custody. What is the big deal here? We will keep him (Rana) for sure.”
Ajmal Kasab, one of the 10 terrorists involved in the November 26, 2008, Mumbai terror attacks, was arrested, tried in court and was given the capital punishment.
Mr. Fadnavis said that Indian agencies earlier tried to get Rana’s confessions online which led to the proof of Pakistan’s involvement in the attacks. “But, at that time, America had clarified that they would not extradite him as he was under their protection… Although our stand was that he is a criminal of India and he should face a criminal trial in India,” he said.
Rana, who is currently lodged at an US detention centre, is known to be associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the key conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.