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Encouraged to hear of Rana’s extradition to India, says Israeli envoy
Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar has backed the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and praised India’s "persistence in bringing the terrorists to justice", reported news agency ANI. "We are encouraged to hear about the extradition to India of one of the perpetrators of the terrible and horrendous terrorist attacks that happened in Mumbai on 26th November 2008 which took the lives of more than 170 innocent civilians, including Israel's," Azar said in a video shared by the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi. "I would like to thank the Government of India for its persistence in bringing the terrorists to justice," he added, according to ANI. Earlier, former Israeli Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon also welcomed the development, calling the extradition of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks accused "a great development" in the ongoing global fight against terrorism. "It is a great development for all those who feel like terrorists should be fought up to the last point... Knowing how terrible the terror attack was for India and the people of Mumbai, I think it is a great development, on top of a tragedy that we had to face," Carmon said, according to ANI. Reflecting on the longstanding Israel-India cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, he stated, "Israel has always been with India in the fight against terrorism, and there is no one conversation or interview where we don't mention that India, like Israel, is suffering with terrorist attacks – unfortunately. Mumbai's 26/11 was definitely a terrible, terrible tragedy." "I'm sure India and Israel will continue to cooperate in fighting terrorism. We signed an agreement many years ago, and I'm sure both countries will continue cooperating. Extradition is a huge development, an important diplomatic and judicial victory for India; I can say so without any doubt. I want to congratulate the Prime Minister and all necessary External Affairs Ministers for this," Carmon added. Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was previously convicted in the United States for aiding the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba. Following the US Supreme Court’s clearance of his extradition, India’s National Investigation Agency is set to take custody of him upon his arrival. The Centre has appointed Advocate Narender Mann as the Special Public Prosecutor in the case. (With ANI inputs)
10 April,2025 05:03 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Tahawwur Rana extradition ‘completely legal’, says Senior Advocate Ujjwal Nikam
Senior Advocate Ujjawal Nikam on Thursday said that the extradition of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks accused Tahawwur Rana was a fully legal procedure. Speaking to the media, Nikam, who also served as the Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, said, "This is a completely legal procedure. It is important to see what case is filed against him. I will not talk about it now. I will talk about it after the entire process is over." Meanwhile, Union Minister Nityanand Rai said that the Centre has been closely monitoring individuals who act against the interests of the country since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014. According to news agency ANI, he asserted that under the leadership of PM Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, terrorism in the country is nearing its end. "Since Narendra Modi has become the Prime Minister, a close watch has been kept on those against the country. Under the leadership of PM Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, terrorism is about to end in the country. Stringent action has been taken against traitors," Rai told reporters in Patna. Meanwhile, Eknath Omble, the brother of Ashok Chakra awardee and 26/11 hero Tukaram Omble, urged the Central Government on Thursday to hang Tahawwur Rana. Ashok Chakra awardee Tukaram Omble, a sub-inspector in the Mumbai Police, held onto terrorist Ajmal Kasab's rifle, ensuring his capture, but tragically succumbed to bullet injuries during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. "Many innocent people and policemen were killed. It was a painful night. Tahawwur Rana was the closest ally of David Headley, who was the mastermind of the attack – they all should have been hanged earlier... But it's a big day for the country. I have a request from the government that he (Tahawwur Rana) should be hanged as soon as possible," Eknath Omble told ANI. "He should be given such a strict punishment that those in Pakistan who facilitate such things should think twice before committing them. However, we tolerated the delay in Kasab's punishment because it exposed Pakistan's real face to the world," he added. Tukaram Omble was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, for his courage during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. (With ANI inputs)
10 April,2025 04:34 PM IST | Beed | mid-day online correspondent
'Modi government riding on UPA-era diplomacy in Tahawwur Rana's extradition'
The Indian National Congress on Thursday accused the Narendra Modi-led government of taking undue credit for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, stating that the process was initiated and sustained by the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime through strategic diplomatic efforts. According to PTI, Congress leader and former Home Minister P Chidambaram issued a detailed statement outlining the timeline of legal and diplomatic steps taken under the UPA government, claiming the current regime had no significant role in securing Rana’s extradition. Chidambaram asserted that the government had achieved “no breakthrough” in the extradition and instead benefitted from years of mature and quiet diplomacy led by institutions and foreign policy architects of the earlier administration. “This is not the outcome of grandstanding, but a testament to what the Indian state can achieve when diplomacy, law enforcement, and international cooperation are pursued sincerely and without chest-thumping,” he said, according to PTI. Rana, a 64-year-old Pakistan-born Canadian national and a close associate of another 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks accused, David Coleman Headley, is being extradited from the United States (US) after exhausting all legal avenues, including a plea before the US Supreme Court, PTI reported. The Congress statement highlighted that the groundwork was laid as early as November 2009 when the National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks conspiracy involving Rana and others. “That very month, Canada’s Foreign Minister confirmed collaboration with Indian agencies, a direct result of the UPA’s effective foreign policy,” Chidambaram stated. Despite Rana’s acquittal in a US court in 2011 for direct involvement in the 26/11 attacks, he was convicted on other terrorism-related charges and sentenced to 14 years in prison. The UPA government, while disappointed with the partial acquittal, continued to exert diplomatic pressure. Chidambaram said that extensive efforts by senior leaders, including Salman Khurshid and Ranjan Mathai, helped keep the extradition request active in Washington’s corridors of power. By 2013, both Headley and Rana were sentenced, and India persisted with its demand for their extradition. PTI reported that then Ambassador Nirupama Rao also remained in contact with her US counterparts to push the agenda forward. In 2015, Headley turned approver in the 26/11 case, and by 2016 he was formally pardoned by an Indian court. This contributed significantly to the case against Abu Jundal, another accused. Chidambaram added that officials from India made visits in 2018 and 2019 to resolve legal complications related to Rana’s extradition. After Rana’s release in 2020 on health grounds, India formally requested his arrest once again. In May 2023, a US court ruled that Rana could be extradited under the Indo-US Extradition Treaty. His final appeal was dismissed by the US Supreme Court in January 2025. He was formally handed over to Indian authorities on Tuesday. (With inputs from PTI)
10 April,2025 04:20 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Shehzad Poonawalla hails the extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana
On Thursday, Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) National Spokesperson, Shehzad Poonawalla, praised that the extradition of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks accused Tahawwur Rana, ANI reported. He stated that it was a major victory for all security, counter- terrorism, prosecution and intelligence agencies. Poonawalla further said that the extradition was the resolve that India would not remain silent on terror attacks but would give a tough reply. "It is a major victory for all security, counter-terrorism, prosecution, intelligence agencies that the main conspirator of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks is being extradited to India...This is not just an extradition; it is the resolve of the new India that we will not remain silent on terror attacks but will give a befitting reply...India will neither forgive nor forget the terrorists..." said Poonawalla while speaking to the media. "This is a major step towards ensuring justice not only for the victims in India but also for those killed in the 26/11 attacks in 17 to 18 countries," he further stated. Meanwhile, Union Minister Piyush Goyal criticised the Congress for "not doing anything" to punish those involved in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, which claimed more than 166 lives. Goyal accused then government of merely "serving Biryani" to Ajmal Kasab, one of the prime accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, ANI reported. The Union Minister also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's determination to hold the attackers accountable and ensure they face justice on Indian soil. "During Congress' time, the terrorists had attacked the very hotel we are standing in. People died here. However, Congress didn't do anything to punish those involved. The one who was caught, Kasab, was also served Biryani. Those who attacked our country...this is PM Modi's resolve to bring them to justice, and they get punished. Every Indian citizen is proud of PM Modi that those involved would be punished on this land," Goyal told ANI. He also brutally slammed the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), accusing the party of engaging in "appeasement politics" more than the Congress party. Stepping up his criticism of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc, the Union Minister claimed they were incapable of thinking beyond appeasement politics. "Sanjay Raut will defend a person who is Muslim even if the person is involved in a huge crime. Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena engages in appeasement politics more than Congress. The INDI alliance can't think beyond appeasement politics and doesn't have positive thinking. PM Modi, on the other hand, is ending Naxalism. Similarly, we will not spare terrorists," Goyal added. (With ANI inputs)
10 April,2025 04:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Bhagwan Mahavir's ideals give strength to countless people: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes on Mahavir Jayanti on Thursday, stating that Lord Mahavir’s teachings continue to inspire and empower millions across the globe. "We all bow to Bhagwan Mahavir, who always emphasised on non-violence, truth and compassion. His ideals give strength to countless people all around the world. His teachings have been beautifully preserved and popularised by the Jain community. Inspired by Bhagwan Mahavir, they have excelled in different walks of life and contributed to societal well-being," PM Modi posted on X. We all bow to Bhagwan Mahavir, who always emphasised on non-violence, truth and compassion. His ideals give strength to countless people all around the world. His teachings have been beautifully preserved and popularised by the Jain community. Inspired by Bhagwan Mahavir, they… pic.twitter.com/BRXIFNm9PW — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 10, 2025 PM Modi further stated that the Union government will always work to fulfil the vision of Bhagwan Mahavir. "Last year, we conferred the status of Classical Language on Prakrit, a decision which received a lot of appreciation," the PM added. As per ANI, Union Home Minister Amit Shah noted that the message given by Lord Mahavir will continue to guide human society. "Greetings of Lord Mahavir Jayanti to all countrymen. The messages of truth, non-violence, compassion and social harmony given by Lord Mahavir Ji will continue to guide human society for eternity. I pray to Lord Mahavir Ji for the welfare of all," Shah posted on X. सभी देशवासियों को भगवान महावीर जयंती की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ।भगवान महावीर जी ने सत्य, अहिंसा, करुणा और सामाजिक सद्भाव के जो संदेश दिए, वे मानव समाज को अनंतकाल तक राह दिखाते रहेंगे। भगवान महावीर जी से सभी के कल्याण की कामना करता हूँ। pic.twitter.com/Q3rA0ltSnw — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 10, 2025 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Lord Mahavir’s teachings remain a guiding force in creating a fair, harmonious, and inclusive society. "On the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, I bow to Bhagwan Mahavir and recall his timeless message of Ahimsa, truth and compassion. His ideals continue to inspire us to build a just, peaceful and inclusive society. My heartfelt greetings to everyone on this sacred day," Singh posted on X, reported ANI. Union Minister and BJP chief JP Nadda said that Lord Mahavir's divine teachings and great thoughts will always remain relevant for a non-violent society. "I extend my heartfelt greetings on the birth anniversary of 24th Jain Tirthankar Lord Mahavir, the eternal symbol of sacrifice, penance and peace. His works for establishing non-violence, truth, celibacy and non-possession in the society are immortal. They will continue to show the path of welfare of humanity to the entire world for ages. The life of Lord Mahavir Ji, dedicated to the creation of a civilized society and world welfare, is always inspiring. His divine teachings and great thoughts will always remain relevant for a non-violent society," Nadda posted on X, reported ANI. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, who was born in 615 BC in a royal family and was given the name 'Vardhamana' in his childhood. It will be celebrated on April 10, according to Mahavir Samvat. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to underscore the global and especially Indian significance of Jainism, with its core principle of “Ahimsa Parmo Dharma”—non-violence—holding deep relevance in today’s world. (With ANI inputs)
10 April,2025 03:08 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Delhi: Air India Express pilot dies after landing flight
An Air India Express pilot passed away due to a medical condition in the national capital on Wednesday soon after operating a flight from Srinagar, according to a source. The pilot, in his late 30s, operated the flight from Srinagar to Delhi and was not feeling well after landing at the Delhi airport. He was taken to a hospital but passed away, the source said. "We deeply regret the loss of a valued colleague due to a medical condition... we are extending all possible assistance to them as we all cope with this tremendous loss," an airline spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday. Further details could not be ascertained. "We request all concerned to respect privacy at this time and avoid unnecessary speculation while we commit to assisting the relevant authorities in due process," the spokesperson said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 April,2025 02:53 PM IST | New Delhi | PTI
Teachers start relay hunger strike to protest job loss, police action in Bengal
A section of teachers who lost their jobs following a Supreme Court judgment which held that the whole appointment process was tainted, on Thursday began a relay hunger strike outside the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) office in protest over the issue, reported PTI. Joining the protesters, BJP MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay who is a former judge of the Calcutta High Court, blamed the state administration and its wings for their plight. The teachers and other staff who lost their jobs said that they were also protesting police action against their compatriots at the district inspector (DI) of schools' office at Kasba in south Kolkata on Wednesday, reported PTI. "We started a relay hunger strike agitation with one teacher at the beginning and will soon chalk out further programme to protest the issue," one of the protesters told reporters outside the SSC office at Salt Lake. The agitating teachers have been holding a sit-in outside the SSC office building 'Acharya Sadan' since Wednesday night to protest the loss of jobs and police action against their compatriots. The protesters alleged they were subjected to baton-charge and were even kicked and shoved around by law enforcement personnel during their agitation outside the DI office, situated beside Kasba police station of the Kolkata Police. Noting that the police have lodged cases against the protesting teachers over Wednesday's protest at Kasba, Gangopadhyay said that this should not have been done. "Cases have been lodged against innocent teachers who lost their jobs for the illegal acts of others," the BJP MP told reporters. Maintaining that he had not gone to meet Education Minister Bratya Basu on Wednesday in protest against the police action, he said that the BJP leadership was with him in his decision, reported PTI. Gangopadhyay said that he, along with former Rajya Sabha MP Rupa Ganguly, came to the protest site at Acharya Sadan to express solidarity with the teachers and other staff who lost their jobs. Gangopadhyay, as a judge of the Calcutta High Court, had ordered a CBI investigation in November 2021 into alleged irregularities in the recruitment process. He had also ordered the termination of more than 25,000 jobs of teaching and non-teaching staff in West Bengal government-run and -aided schools after finding irregularities in the process, reported PTI. This order was upheld by a division bench of the high court and thereafter by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court on April 3 upheld a 2024 Calcutta High Court judgment annulling the recruitment of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching staff appointed through a recruitment drive by SSC in 2016, terming the entire selection process "vitiated and tainted". Those who were rendered jobless claimed that the reason behind their plight was the inability of the SSC to differentiate between the candidates who secured employment through fraudulent means and those who did not. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested former West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee and some others, who held positions in the state's SSC when the irregularities in the recruitment process took place. (With inputs from PTI)
10 April,2025 02:45 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondent
Man dies by suicide in Bareilly, family blames wife for harassment
A 24-year-old man from Bareilly's Izzatnagar area allegedly committed suicide at his home reportedly due to a marital dispute, police said on Thursday. The deceased, identified as Raj Arya, hanged himself inside his room on Wednesday. He took the extreme step allegedly due to harassment by his wife, Simran (23), with whom he had a love marriage in April 2024, family members said. According to police, the couple had been working in private companies at the time of their marriage, but both had recently lost their jobs. The couple had a daughter just 45 days ago. Family members told PTI that tensions had been building between Raj and Simran for some time. About 10 days ago, a serious argument prompted Simran to leave for her parental home. On Wednesday morning, Simran allegedly posted two Instagram status updates. In one, she claimed to have filed a police complaint against her husband, writing that "he will be in jail by 10:30 am." In a follow-up post, she wrote, "Now go to jail". Later that evening, Arya took his own life. His mother told police that just before the incident, Raj had told her, "Maa, I'm going to sleep forever." Initially unaware of his intentions, she grew concerned moments later and found him hanging from the ceiling fan. Police have sent the body for a post-mortem. Circle Officer Ajay Kumar confirmed the incident and said further legal proceedings would be initiated upon receiving a formal complaint from the family. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 April,2025 02:04 PM IST | Uttar Pradesh | PTI
Priyanka Chaturvedi wants public execution of Tahawwur Rana
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has called for the severest punishment for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana, urging the he be executed in a public square in Mumbai to serve as a strong deterrent against those harboring malicious intentions toward India. "After a long wait of 16 years, he is being extradited to India...He should be sentenced to death in a crowded square in Mumbai so that people who look at India with evil intentions will be left shaken," Priyanka told ANI. "I am hopeful that Hafiz Saeed, David Headley will also be brought to India and will be given strict punishment," she added further. Tahawwur Rana is a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and after a wait of 16 long years he finally being extradited to India. A Pakistani-Canadian national, Rana, was convicted in the US for helping Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives and supplying material support to the group behind the Mumbai attacks that killed over 174 people. Meanwhile, the Central Government has appointed Advocate Narender Mann as the Special Public Prosecutor to handle the trials and related proceedings in the National Investigation Agency case RC-04/2009/NIA/DLI against Tahawwur Hussain Rana and David Coleman Headley, who remains imprisoned in the United States following a plea deal. "In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 15 of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 (34 of 2008), read with sub-section (8) of section 18 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), the Central Government hereby appoints Narender Mann, Advocate as Special Public Prosecutor for conducting trial and other matters related to NIA case RC-04/2009/NIA/DLI on behalf of the National Investigation Agency before the NIA Special Courts at Delhi and Appellate Courts, for a period of 3 years from the date of publication of this notification or till the completion of trial of the said case, whichever is earlier," the Ministry of Home Affairs notified on April 9. National Investigation Agency (NIA) will take custody of Rana upon his arrival. The US Secretary of State had signed the surrender warrant authorizing Rana's extradition to Indian authorities on February 11. Rana's legal counsel subsequently filed an emergency stay motion seeking to challenge that order. On April 7, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Rana's petition for a stay of his extradition. The Indian government has long pursued his extradition and a recent decision by the US Supreme Court has cleared the way for his transfer to India. (With ANI inputs)
10 April,2025 02:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Man arrested in Assam for posting video of train passing over him
A man was arrested in Assam's Hailakandi district for uploading a video where he was seen lying between railway tracks as a train passed over him, a police officer said on Thursday. The officer said the accused, Papul Alom Barbhuiya (27), was arrested on Tuesday by Lala police. In the 31-second video uploaded by Barbhuiya on Facebook earlier this week, he is seen lying between the tracks at Lala railway station and filming a train that purportedly passed over him. PTI, however, could not independently verify the authenticity of the video. Barbhuiya, who identifies himself as a video game programmer on his social media profile and is reportedly a resident of Bengaluru, posted another video the next day claiming that the previous clip was edited. He claimed he had downloaded the portion of the train passing over from the internet and cautioned others against attempting similar stunts. "Following his arrest, Barbhuiya was produced in court. He has been granted bail," the officer added. Further investigation into the case is ongoing, he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 April,2025 01:59 PM IST | Assam | PTI
UP: Retired PWD officer shot at in Etawah
A retired Public Works Department (PWD) officer was critically injured after being shot at by unidentified assailants here, police said on Thursday. The incident took place around 7.30 pm on Wednesday in Bharthana area of Modhi village, Additional Superintendent of Police, Rural, Satyapal Singh said. The 72-year-old Om Prakash was in his field when the assailants opened fire at him. Hearing the sound of gunfire, villagers rushed to the spot and found Prakash lying in a pool of blood. The victim's family informed the police and rushed him to the Bharthana Community Health Centre (CHC) from where he was referred to the Saifai Medical College, where his condition was stated to be critical. This was the second shooting incident in the Bharthana area. Earlier on Tuesday night, unidentified gunmen entered a house in Vivouli village under the same police station limits and shot dead a youth. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 April,2025 01:56 PM IST | Uttar Pradesh | PTI