New Delhi, Apr 17 (UNI) India today said the extradition of 26/11 key plotter Tahawwur Rana from the US serves as a reminder to Pakistan that it needs to bring to justice the other perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks whom it continues to shield.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, answering queries on the extradition of Rana to India earlier this month, said:

“Pakistan may try very hard but its reputation as the epicentre of global terrorism will not diminish.

“The extradition of Rana serves as a reminder to Pakistan that it needs to bring to justice other perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks whom it continues to shield.”

Pakistan-born Canadian citizen Tahawwur Rana, 64, who played a key role in the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, was brought to India from the US in a special chartered aircraft last week.

His extradition came after the US Supreme Court dismissed Rana’s review plea seeking an emergency stay on his extradition to India. After being brought to India, Rana was remanded to 18-day custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Rana has been charged with criminal conspiracy, waging war against the government of India, murder and forgery and under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

On the arrest of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi in Belgium and on his possible extradition to India, the MEA spokesperson said that India is working closely with the Belgium government to extradite Choksi.

“Based on our extradition request, he was arrested. We are working closely with the Belgium side on his extradition," the spokesperson said.

UNI RN