NEW DELHI: Congress leader Udit Raj on Saturday cast doubt on the recent extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana, saying that during the UPA government‘s tenure, David Headley was identified as the main conspirator in the Mumbai terror attacks.
“This seems like a game to me,” Udit Raj told IANS news agency. “Back in 2011, when the UPA government was in power, the entire investigation file was handed over to the US, and David Headley was identified as the main accused. Although Tahawwur Rana was considered a conspirator, he wasn’t seen as playing such a major role.”
His comments come a day after Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman, was brought to India from the US following the Supreme Court’s dismissal of his review plea against extradition.
The 64-year-old, considered a close aide of David Coleman Headley, was produced before a special NIA court and sent to 18-day custody.
Despite Raj’s skepticism, Congress veteran and former home minister P Chidambaram welcomed the extradition, stating that the process had gained traction during the UPA government’s tenure.
Meanwhile, security has been heightened outside the NIA headquarters in Delhi, where Rana is currently lodged. The agency is expected to intensify questioning in connection with his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
