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BJP accused Chavan of prioritising the rights of terrorists over those of the victims of the Mumbai attacks
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan. (PTI file photo)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday slammed senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan, accusing him of having a “soft corner for terrorism” following his comments on the legal rights of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, who has been extradited to India from the US.
Chavan, who is also the former chief minister of Maharashtra, raised concerns over the extradition process, suggesting that, like Ajmal Kasab, Rana should be granted a fair trial.
Kasab, a Pakistani gunman who was one of the only surviving attackers from the 26/11 assault, was executed in 2012 after being convicted.
Speaking to the media, Chavan said, “We demand that just like there was a proper trial under Indian laws for Kasab, he had the right to speak for himself and have a lawyer – he was given a lawyer and he had the opportunity to appeal in High Court as well as Supreme Court.”
#WATCH | Mumbai: On 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana’s extradition to India, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan says, “…Rana has not confessed to his crime, while David Coleman Headley has admitted to have played a role. So, the American Government decided to make… pic.twitter.com/6DCmQnHhRD— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2025
The Congress leader further remarked that Rana should be given the same rights and face a fair trial, adding, “He (Rana) should be given legal rights and he will have to accept whatever punishment is given to him. A kangaroo court will not function in our country.”
BJP’s Response
In response, the BJP accused Chavan of prioritising the rights of terrorists over the victims of the Mumbai attacks.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla stated, “Congress’s is concerned about human rights of Afzal, Yakub and Tahawwur not those of victims of 26/11. This soft corner for terrorism is real reason why terrorists got away till now.. but under New India – Modi Govt drags the terrorists back even from Paatal.”
On a day when we must spare a thought for Human Rights of Victims of 26/11Congress stalwart Prithviraj Chavan says“We demand that just like there was a proper trial under Indian laws for Kasab, he had the right to speak for himself and have a lawyer – he was given a lawyer… pic.twitter.com/qVXV1gsGee
— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) April 10, 2025
Tahawwur Rana’s Flight Lands In Delhi
Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, was extradited to India from the United States to face trial for his role in the 2008 terror attacks, which claimed 166 lives. Rana arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening, a day after a multi-agency Indian team flew to the United States to bring him back.
Rana is expected to be lodged in Tihar Jail in the national capital. Sources told News18 that he will be arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
ALSO READ: 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack Accused Tahawwur Rana’s Flight Lands In Delhi
