“After the attacks were complete, Rana allegedly told Headley that the Indians deserved it,” the US Department of Justice revealed through a statement.
The US Department of Justice revealed that intelligence agencies had once intercepted conversation between Rana and Headley after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, in which the 64-year-old Rana had commended the 9 Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists who had been killed committing the attacks, saying that “they should be given Nishan-e-Haider”—Pakistan’s “highest award for gallantry in battle”, which is reserved for fallen soldiers.
The US, meanwhile, termed Rana’s extradition as a critical step toward seeking justice for the victims of the Mumbai terror attack which also included six Americans.
“These attacks resulted in the tragic loss of 166 lives, including six Americans, and shocked the entire world. The US has long supported India’s efforts to ensure those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice. As President Trump has said, the US and India will continue to work together to combat the global scourge of terrorism,” the US State Department said.
In 2013, Rana was sentenced to 14 years in prison following his trial conviction in Northern US District of Illinois for conspiring to provide material support to LeT and to a foiled LeT-sponsored terrorist plot in Copenhagen, Denmark.
