Pakistan on Thursday issued a statement regarding the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key figure in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India from the United States. Shafqat Ali Khan, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, clarified during a media briefing that “Tahawwur Rana has not renewed his Pakistani documents for over two decades. His Canadian nationality is very clear,” effectively distancing Pakistan from any responsibility or connection to the case.

The development marks a significant milestone in the long-standing effort to bring justice to the victims of the November 26, 2008, attacks, which claimed over 166 lives. Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was convicted in the US for providing material support to the Lashkar-e-Taiba group responsible for the coordinated assaults on Mumbai’s landmarks. His extradition, expected imminently, will see him face trial in India for his role in one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in the country’s history.

In India, preparations are underway to house Rana in a high-security ward at Tihar Jail in Delhi upon his arrival, according to reports. Authorities have made the necessary arrangements, but they are awaiting a court order to formalize his detention. The central government has appointed advocate Narender Mann as a Special Public Prosecutor to handle the trials and other legal proceedings related to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) case.

A Delhi court, presided over by District Judge Vimal Kumar Yadav, has already received the trial records of the 26/11 attacks in anticipation of Rana’s arrival. The records were transferred from a Mumbai court following the judge’s directive on January 28, prompted by an application from the NIA seeking to retrieve the documents for the upcoming proceedings.

Rana’s extradition from the US is seen as a major victory for India, which has long sought to prosecute all individuals involved in the Mumbai attacks. The incident, which lasted four days and targeted sites like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and Nariman House, left a scar on India’s national psyche, killing civilians, security personnel, and foreigners. Rana’s role as a facilitator, providing logistical and financial support, made him a critical target for justice.

Pakistan’s statement, however, attempts to sidestep any association with Rana, emphasizing his Canadian citizenship and lack of active ties to Pakistani documentation.

A sudden weather upheaval across Bihar has claimed 19 lives and caused extensive damage to standing crops and property within a span of 48 hours. The extreme weather event, marked by intense thunderstorms, hailstorms, and lightning, has severely impacted both rural and urban regions.

Death toll rises as severe storms sweep across Bihar

According to official updates, the storms have caused fatalities across several districts: five each in Begusarai and Darbhanga, three in Madhubani, two each in Saharsa and Samastipur, and one each in Lakhisarai and Gaya. In response, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed condolences and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased.

Heavy crop loss in agrarian districts

The unseasonal storm has been particularly devastating for farmers. Crops nearing harvest—such as wheat, mango, and litchi—have suffered widespread destruction in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Shivhar, and East Champaran. The damage has sparked fears of significant financial loss in the farming community.

District authorities have begun assessing crop damage to roll out relief measures promptly. Local reports highlight how the erratic weather struck just weeks ahead of harvesting season, compounding distress in the agricultural sector.

IMD warns of continued severe weather

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for continued thunderstorms, lightning, and rain across Bihar until April 12. A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is fueling the adverse weather, and the forecast includes the possibility of hail and strong winds in certain areas.

Districts likely to experience ongoing impact include Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Madhepura, Saharsa, Purnea, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Khagaria, Banka, Munger, Jamui, Sheikhpura, Begusarai, Patna, Nalanda, Nawada, Jehanabad, and Gaya.

Authorities on high alert, residents urged to remain cautious

Officials in vulnerable districts have been put on alert, and emergency response teams are coordinating relief operations. The IMD has urged people to stay indoors during storms, avoid open areas during lightning, and secure loose objects to minimize damage.

In Patna and surrounding cities, heavy rain brought temporary relief from the heat but also led to power disruptions and traffic slowdowns. The administration continues to monitor developments closely and is preparing for potential escalation in weather conditions.

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the Pakistani-origin Canadian national wanted in connection with the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India from the United States. After losing a prolonged legal battle against extradition, Rana is being flown on a special aircraft and will be presented before a Delhi court on Thursday.

Rana is a key accused in a conspiracy case registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people.

According to the NIA chargesheet, he provided critical logistical and financial support to the attackers.

Close links with David Headley

Born on January 12, 1961, in Chichawatni, Punjab, Pakistan, Rana attended Cadet College Hasan Abdal where he befriended David Headley — a central figure in the 26/11 attacks. Rana later served as a captain in the Pakistan Army Medical Corps.

In 1997, Rana left the army and migrated to Canada with his wife, both of whom became naturalised Canadian citizens in 2001. The couple later moved to the United States, where Rana launched several businesses, including First World Immigration Services, with offices across Chicago, New York, and Toronto. He also ran a halal slaughterhouse catering to Islamic dietary laws.

Deep-rooted connections in North America

Rana’s family is spread across Canada and Pakistan. He owns a home in Ottawa, where his father and siblings reside. His father was a school principal, while one brother is a psychiatrist in the Pakistani military and another a journalist working with a Canadian political publication.

Beyond the Mumbai case, Rana was also implicated in a failed terror plot targeting Denmark’s Jyllands-Posten newspaper, which had published cartoons of Prophet Muhammad in 2005. Dubbed the “Mickey Mouse Project”, the plot involved plans to execute staff members and publicly display their heads in Copenhagen. This attack was never executed due to the arrest of David Headley.

According to investigative agencies, Rana helped Headley establish a front office in Mumbai that was used for reconnaissance and planning the 26/11 attacks.

Arrested in the United States in 2009, Rana had been fighting extradition for over a decade. With all legal avenues now exhausted, he is finally being brought back to India to face trial.