Key Accused in Mumbai Attacks Lands in India After Extradition from US
Pune, April 11 – Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday described the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana as a "major breakthrough" that could shed light on the intricate conspiracy behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
Rana, a 64-year-old Canadian national of Pakistani origin, was brought to India from Los Angeles in a special aircraft on Thursday evening. He has been remanded to the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for 18 days by a special court.
Rana is accused of collaborating with David Coleman Headley, also known as Daood Gilani, along with Pakistan-based terrorist groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI), in orchestrating the three-day siege in Mumbai that left 166 people dead.
Ajit Pawar Remembers Night of 26/11
Speaking to reporters in Pune, Pawar recalled his presence in Mumbai during the attacks, alongside then Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and Home Minister R R Patil.
“After the operation, we visited all the attack sites. A probe was launched to identify the masterminds. Now that this man (Rana) has been extradited to India, it will come to light who were behind the attacks, on whose orders he acted and what their objective was,” Pawar stated.
Tribute to Mahatma Phule and Response to OBC Leader’s Discontent
Pawar was in Pune to pay tribute to Mahatma Phule at Phule Wada on the occasion of the social reformer's birth anniversary. When asked about senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal’s criticism over delays in Phule Wada’s expansion, Pawar assured that the Pune Municipal Corporation has been instructed to fast-track the project and resolve land acquisition issues.
“Bhujbal saheb won’t have to go on a hunger strike. The work will be completed,” he affirmed.
Bhujbal, disheartened over not being nominated to the Rajya Sabha or given a ministerial post, had said he might resort to a hunger strike to demand progress on the memorial.
Action Promised in Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital Incident
Pawar also addressed the recent tragedy at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, where a pregnant woman reportedly died after being denied admission. He said that the state government is awaiting a third report on the incident, after which action would be taken.
On Fuel Prices and Modi Government’s Stance
In response to criticism regarding fuel and LPG price hikes, Pawar remarked, “I haven’t forgotten the protests I led while in opposition. But global fuel price fluctuations are real.” He attributed part of the economic impact to former US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
Pawar noted that although LPG prices were increased by ₹50, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed oil companies to absorb the difference and avoid passing the burden onto consumers.
He added, “Since Home Minister Amit Shah is in the state, we will discuss the issue with him.”