After 17 long years, Tahawwur Rana, one of the accused in the infamous 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is finally being extradited to India. He is expected to face the law after a lengthy legal battle in the United States, where he had sought refuge for many years. This marks a significant milestone in the quest for justice for the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which shook the world, leaving hundreds dead and thousands affected.

Rana, who was arrested in the US in 2009, had been fighting his extradition for years. However, after exhausting all legal avenues in the US, Indian authorities have successfully arranged for his transfer, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) spearheading the operation. Rana is expected to arrive in India on Thursday aboard a specially chartered flight, with a stopover in Germany. There are tight security arrangements in place to ensure his safe transport.

While Rana's extradition represents a step closer to justice, it also raises the critical question: where are the other key accused in the 26/11 attack now? The masterminds behind the attack—Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, David Coleman Headley, Sajid Mir, and others—played crucial roles in orchestrating and executing the brutal assault. However, not all of them have been brought to justice.

Where Are the Other Key Accused Now?

Hafiz Saeed

The chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), Hafiz Saeed, is regarded as the primary mastermind behind the 26/11 attacks. Despite being a global fugitive and a UN-designated terrorist, Saeed has evaded substantial legal consequences for years. In April 2022, a Pakistani court convicted him on multiple terror financing charges, sentencing him to 31 years in prison. Currently, he is serving his term at Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail. His role in the attacks remains central to the investigation and ongoing efforts to hold all perpetrators accountable.

Sajid Mir

Sajid Mir is considered the chief planner of the attacks, responsible for overseeing the reconnaissance of Mumbai’s targets. In June 2022, Mir was convicted in Pakistan for terror financing and sentenced to 15 years. Despite his conviction, his criminal activities continue to affect global security, and his fate remains uncertain as Pakistan has shown limited willingness to extradite him to India.

David Coleman Headley

An American citizen of Pakistani origin, David Coleman Headley played a crucial role in scouting the Mumbai locations targeted during the 2008 attacks. Headley was arrested in the US in 2009, and later, in 2013, he pleaded guilty to his involvement in the attacks. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison by a US federal court and is currently serving his term. Headley’s testimony in court revealed many intricate details about the planning of the attacks, making him a vital part of the legal process in the case.

Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi

As the operational commander of LeT during the attacks, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi played a central role in executing the assault. He was arrested by Pakistan authorities and faced terror financing charges. In January 2021, he was sentenced to five years in prison, though it is believed that his imprisonment has been relaxed at times. Lakhvi’s continued incarceration in Pakistan has raised questions about the accountability of Pakistani authorities in ensuring justice for the victims of 26/11.

Abdul Rehman Makki

Abdul Rehman Makki, a senior member of LeT and Hafiz Saeed’s brother-in-law, was also implicated in the planning of the attacks. He had been involved in coordinating with several operatives and facilitators to prepare for the attack. Tragically, in December 2024, Makki died of a heart attack while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Lahore. His death left a significant void in the network of conspirators linked to the attacks.

A Step Toward Justice

While Tahawwur Rana’s extradition is a positive development in the fight for justice, many of the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks continue to evade justice. Pakistan has repeatedly faced criticism for its handling of the cases against Saeed, Lakhvi, and other conspirators, with many accusing it of being unwilling to fully cooperate with India’s efforts to bring these criminals to trial.

The Need for Accountability

As the Indian authorities prepare to question Tahawwur Rana regarding his role in the attacks, there is a renewed call for global cooperation to ensure that those responsible for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks are held accountable, no matter where they are located. The international community must continue to press Pakistan to take stronger action against terrorist organizations operating within its borders.

In the coming days, the focus will be on Rana’s interrogation and the potential new leads it might generate. At the same time, India will continue to push for the extradition of other key players, including Sajid Mir, Zakiur Rahman Lakhvi, and others, as the search for justice remains ongoing.

For now, the extradition of Tahawwur Rana is a critical step in the long journey towards justice for the victims of one of the most horrific terrorist attacks in modern history.

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