New Delhi:A political tussle has erupted over the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin accused of helping plot the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, even as the National Investigation Agency prepares to seek his custody. Former home minister P. Chidambaram asserted on Thursday that the extradition is the culmination of more than a decade of diplomatic, legal and intelligence work launched by the UPA government in 2009, not a sudden breakthrough by the current administration. He pointed to the NIA case registered on November 11, 2009 against Rana and fellow conspirator David Headley, early cooperation with Canada and the FBI, and Headley’s 2015 decision to turn approver as evidence that “institutional groundwork” predates Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure. Chidambaram accused the BJP of “chest‑thumping” and “rushing to take undue credit” for a process it did not initiate, emphasising that the extradition is a testament to what sustained diplomacy and international cooperation can achieve when pursued quietly.The BJP, however, hailed Rana’s handover as a milestone reflecting “new India’s zero‑tolerance” toward terrorism. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala called the extradition a “big achievement” of the Modi government and its security agencies, claiming it showcases a “sea change” in the nation’s attitude toward terror and honours the 166 victims of the 26/11 attacks, including citizens of the United States, Israel, France and other countries. According to the BJP, Rana’s return demonstrates that anyone who attacks India’s unity or innocent people will be brought to justice.Rana was extradited after exhausting all legal appeals in US courts following a 2023 order by the Central District Court of California. The NIA is now expected to seek his custody to interrogate him about his alleged role in facilitating reconnaissance for Lashkar‑e‑Tayyaba operatives ahead of the Mumbai siege.
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