(PICS/PTI)

The heightened security comes as Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, is set to land in India today after being extradited from the United States. A multi-agency Indian team left with Rana on Wednesday aboard a special flight, after years of diplomatic and legal effort to bring him back.

Rana, 64, is a Pakistan-born Canadian national with links to Lashkar-e-Taiba and David Coleman Headley, one of the masterminds behind the 2008 attacks. Headley is currently serving a sentence in the US following a plea bargain, and had cooperated with authorities during the probe into the Mumbai attacks.

As per PTI, both Headley and Rana are co-accused in NIA case RC-04/2009/NIA/DLI, linked directly to the planning and execution of the terror strikes. Rana’s final legal challenge was rejected by the United States Supreme Court, clearing the path for his extradition to India.

His handover is being described as a major diplomatic victory by the Indian government, following persistent efforts at both legal and international levels. The central government has appointed Advocate Narender Mann as Special Public Prosecutor to lead the trial and all legal proceedings against Rana.

Rana’s trial is expected to be closely followed, given the significance of the 26/11 attacks and the public demand for justice in India. The NIA building in Delhi remains under close watch, as Rana’s return marks a pivotal moment in India’s efforts to bring all conspirators of the Mumbai terror attacks to book.

mumbai terror attacks Mumbai terrorist attacks mumbai news maharashtra 26/11 attacks

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