'Will soon be dead': Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana appeals US court to halt extradition to India

26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana

Mumbai terror attacks accused Tahawwur Rana has approached the US Supreme Court seeking a stay on his extradition to India. Citing multiple factors, including his health, he said that extradition to India will be nothing short of torture.

"If a stay is not entered, there will be no review at all, the US courts will lose jurisdiction, and the petitioner will soon be dead," the 63-year-old's petition stated.

Known to be associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist David Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks, Rana is currently lodged in a Los Angeles jail.

Being a Muslim of Pakistani-origin, the Mumbai terror attacks accused wrote, is likely to bring him more trouble upon. If extradited, the likelihood is very high that he will be subjected to torture, Rana indicated.

"He cannot be sent into a hornets' nest where he would be pointed to as a 'target of national, religious and cultural animosity," his legal team said. A Pakistani-Canadian citizen, businessman, physician and immigration entrepreneur, Rana has alleged connections with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

In the petition, Rana pointed out that he is suffering from multiple ailments including Parkinson's with cognitive decline, possible bladder cancer and a 3.5 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Last month, US President Donald Trump confirmed Rana's extradition to India during a press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House.

"I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters (Tahawwur Rana) and one of the very evil people of the world, having to do with the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack to face justice in India. Tahawwur Rana will be going back to India, where he will face justice," Trump said during the press conference with PM.