K. Unnikrishnan, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s father, the NSG commando martyred in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks has stated that Tahawwur Rana’s extradition to India is not merely a diplomatic gesture but an act of ‘revenge’ against the people of India. Talking to NDTV over a telephonic call, he made it clear that though the step is welcome, it does not equate to closure for the victims’ families of the 2008 tragedy.
“It’s not a closure. We have to get Coleman Headley. These are all tools, they are working for money,” he declared, addressing David Coleman Headley, one of the primary masterminds of the attack who is still not under Indian custody. He further continued, “The people worked at the behest of some agencies in our neighborhood. But the brains behind it, we have not reached them yet, even when we have proved everything beyond doubt. But this is surely an achievement, though belated. And I hope everyone will be punished.”
Rana, a retired Pakistani army doctor, is charged with giving logistical and financial support to Headley, who was pivotal in identifying the targets for the 26/11 attacks. According to the NIA chargesheet, Rana has been charged with criminal conspiracy, waging war against India, murder, forgery, and violation of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. His extradition became feasible after exhausting all legal means in the US.
A chartered plane in which Rana is being brought to Delhi will land next, following which he will be questioned by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Mr. Unnikrishnan was hopeful about the investigation and said, “This (Rana) is an educated person. NIA has all the details, they were waiting for him only. Let’s see what happens.”
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, aged 31, took a group of 10 NSG commandos into the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai when it was attacked on November 26, 2008. When his team faced heavy fire from the terrorists, Major Sandeep evacuated his injured colleagues and took on the terrorists single-handedly. He tracked them to the north wing of the hotel and was later killed in action.
His final words, as told by his colleagues, were: “Don’t come up, I will handle them.” For his exceptional courage, leadership, and selflessness, Major Sandeep was awarded the Ashok Chakra posthumously, India’s highest peacetime military award. His citation stated, “Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan displayed most conspicuous bravery besides camaraderie and leadership of the highest order and made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.”
Sixteen years ago, his father’s voice still resonates the bravery his son showed. “Sandeep is not a victim of 26/11. He was a security personnel who did his duty well in the face of certain death. He was sure that he would not come back. If he did not do this in Mumbai, he would have done it somewhere else,” Mr. Unnikrishnan said. He also added, “Our priority should be to stop such an attack so that we can reduce the harm these people want to cause.”
Whether Rana’s extradition provided any personal satisfaction was asked, and he replied, “Definitely it’s a success. For the common people, it’s not only a diplomatic success, it’s a revenge. We were able to get the culprit.”
