Pakistani-Canadian doctor Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who is accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, is now closer to being extradited to India after the U.S. Supreme Court denied his request for an emergency stay. This decision follows an extradition order issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Rana's lawyer has now directly appealed to U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts.

Rana had initially approached the Supreme Court seeking an emergency stay, arguing that extradition to India would put his life at risk. He claimed that due to his religious background and social identity, he could face torture or even death in Indian custody. Justice Elena Kagan rejected his request, prompting his attorney to escalate the appeal to the Chief Justice.

In his plea, Rana stated that being a Muslim of Pakistani origin and a former member of the Pakistani Army made him particularly vulnerable. He also cited serious health concerns, including a bulging artery and Parkinson’s disease, which he argued could further endanger his life if extradited. He claimed that India's government is becoming increasingly autocratic and referred to the Human Rights Watch 2023 World Report, which accuses the BJP-led administration of systematically discriminating against and stigmatising religious minorities, especially Muslims. Meanwhile, Tahawwur Rana is known for his ties to Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, a key figure behind the November 26, 2008, Mumbai attacks that claimed 174 lives. Convicted in the US for aiding the banned terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Rana has been sought for extradition by India for a long time.

Last month, during a press conference at the White House with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Tahawwur Rana would be extradited to India. Trump stated, "Tahawwur Rana will be going back to India, where he will face justice." In response, PM Modi voiced his appreciation to Trump for making this decision.

Once extradited to India, Rana will be presented before a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court, where the agency is expected to request his custody for further questioning. His extradition is a mighty achievement for Indian authorities and the government. Rana was found guilty of assisting in a failed attack in Denmark but was acquitted of any terrorism-related charges in India. A district court sentenced him to 14 years in prison, with terrorist David Headley providing testimony against him during the trial.