'Statement twisted': Congress' Udit Raj clarifies remark on 26/11 plotter Tahawwur Rana's extradition

NEW DELHI: Congress leader

Udit Raj

on Saturday clarified his position on 26/11 key accused Tahawwur Rana's extradition, saying that his earlier statement was "twisted". He added that the Pakistani-origin Rana played a major role in the

Mumbai terror attacks

and should be given capital punishment after a swift trial.
“He has the major role, but others were also involved.

David Headley

should also be brought, and Tahawwur Rana should be given capital punishment,” Raj said.
His clarification comes after his earlier remarks questioning the extent of Rana’s involvement drew criticism. Udit Raj claimed that his statements had been misrepresented by what he called the “Godi Media.”

“I have seen that my statement has been twisted. My stand has always been clear—that Tahawwur Rana should be hanged after a speedy trial,” he said.
Rana, a close aide of David Headley—one of the key conspirators in the 2008 Mumbai attacks—was extradited to India from the US this week. The 64-year-old was brought to Delhi under tight security and remanded to 18-day NIA custody by a special court.
Raj had previously said, "This seems like a game to me. Back in 2011, when the

UPA government

was in power, the entire investigation file was handed over to the US, and David Headley was identified as the main accused. Although Tahawwur Rana was considered a conspirator, he wasn’t seen as playing such a major role."
Meanwhile, security has been heightened outside the NIA headquarters in Delhi, where Rana is currently lodged. The agency is expected to intensify questioning in connection with his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.