Extradition of Rana Viewed as Key Victory by 26/11 Survivor

Devika Rotawan, a survivor of the 26/11 attacks, labeled the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana from the US as a major victory for India. She called for capital punishment for Rana and urged for the exposure of other conspirators in Pakistan. Rotawan recalled her traumatic experience during the attacks at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus when she was only nine years old and highlighted the need for justice against terror sponsorship.

Devika Rotawan, a survivor of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and key witness in the case, expressed that the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana from the US represents a significant victory for India. She urged for the exposure of other conspirators residing in Pakistan and demanded capital punishment for Rana, who is 64 years old. Rotawan, who identified terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Kasab during the trial, emphasized the need for justice for those involved in the attacks.

At the age of nine, Rotawan was present at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus during the terrorist attacks on November 26, 2008, where she was shot in the leg. Her testimony was pivotal in convicting Kasab, who was executed in 2012. At 25 years old now, she expressed her satisfaction with Rana’s extradition, viewing it as a crucial step towards justice. “This is a big win for India, and I want to thank the Indian government for this achievement,” she stated.

Rotawan called on Indian security agencies to utilize Rana’s interrogation to uncover any remaining terror elements based in Pakistan. She underscored that while Rana should face capital punishment, those sponsoring terrorism from across the border must also receive severe penalties.

Recalling the tragic night, she described encountering terror firsthand as “I saw a man (later identified as Kasab) with a big gun in his hand opening fire at passengers.” In the chaos, she lost consciousness and subsequently underwent multiple surgeries due to her injuries. Rotawan remembers queuing at the trial court to identify Kasab, bolstering the prosecution’s case against him and securing his conviction.

Rana, who is a Pakistan-born Canadian citizen, has connections with David Coleman Headley, another key player in orchestrating the attacks that claimed 166 lives, including Americans. The coordinated attack in Mumbai by 10 Pakistani terrorists highlighted vulnerabilities, leading to increased scrutiny of international terror sponsorship and the need for systemic change in responding to such threats.

Devika Rotawan’s testimony and her views on Rana’s extradition reflect a broader call for justice and accountability concerning the 26/11 attacks. Her experiences underline the lasting impact of the terror event on survivors and the ongoing need to address terrorism at its source. The extradition is seen as a critical step in public safety and the fight against international terrorism, demanding further actions against remaining conspirators.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com