The United States has made public the first official photo of Tahawwur Rana’s extradition to India for trial in the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people. The photo, released late Thursday, captures US Marshals transferring Rana into Indian officials’ custody before he flew out on a special aircraft to New Delhi.

In the picture, the 64-year-old is shackled waist and feet and accompanied by gun-carrying officers. NIA confirmed Rana’s arrival on Thursday morning and described the extradition as a “crucial step” for the longstanding case.

“Rana’s Extradition Is Critical for Justice”

In a press statement, the US Department of Justice said, “The United States on Wednesday extradited convicted terrorist Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Canadian citizen and native of Pakistan, to stand trial in India on 10 criminal charges stemming from his alleged role in the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai.”

“Rana’s extradition is a critical step toward seeking justice for the six Americans and scores of other victims who were killed in the heinous attacks,” the statement continued.

NIA Gets Custody After Years-Long Court Battle

The NIA, in its release, stated that it had “successfully secured” the extradition of Rana after “sustained and concerted efforts.” Rana had opposed the move through a series of legal appeals in the US. His extradition was cleared by a court in May 2023, but he approached the Ninth Circuit and the US Supreme Court—both of which were later dismissed.

NIA Formally Arrests 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack Conspirator Tahawwur Rana on Arrival at IGI, New Delhi pic.twitter.com/CEdO1QwURi

— NIA India (@NIA_India) April 10, 2025

His last legal argument was denied on April 4, 2025. On April 9, the US Marshals Service “executed the Secretary’s surrender warrant by surrendering Rana to Indian authorities for transportation to India,” the DOJ reported.

Charged with Aiding LeT Operative David Headley

Tahawwur Rana is charged with assisting his boyhood friend, David Coleman Headley—a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative who spied out sites of attack in Mumbai. The US release stated, “On two separate occasions, Rana allegedly assisted Headley in preparing and filing visa applications with Indian authorities that included information Rana knew to be false.”

He is also charged with giving cover of business from his immigration business for Headley to travel and establish an office in Mumbai. Rana has been said to have told Headley the victims “deserved it” following the attack and complimenting the attackers that they “should be given Nishan-e-Haider.”

26/11 Attacks and International Impact

The 2008 Mumbai attacks, carried out by 10 LeT terrorists, hit iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the CST station, Leopold Café, and Chabad House. Six US citizens were among the 166 dead. The attack also resulted in more than $1.5 billion worth of damages.

With Rana now in Indian custody, the NIA will likely step up its efforts to bring the other conspirators to book.