US announces USD 5 million reward for information on 26/11 perpetrators

Washington: The United States on Monday announced a USD 5 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual who committed, conspired, aided or abetted the 2008 Mumbai attack.

The Trump administration announced this major reward (of over Rs 35 crore) on the 10th anniversary of the terror attack in which 10 Pakistan-based LeT terrorist went on a shooting rampage in India’s financial hub killing 166 people, including six Americans.

The move comes less than a fortnight after Vice President Mike Pence had a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Singapore, during which he is believed to have himself raised this issue and rued that even 10 years after the Mumbai terrorist attack its perpetrators have not been brought to justice.

State Department’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) Programme in a statement said the United States is committed to working with its international partners to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attack.

From November 26 to 29, 2008, 10 terrorist associated with the LeT carried out a series of coordinated assaults against multiple targets in Mumbai, it said. “The United States is committed to working with our international partners to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attack,” it said.

The State Department said anyone with information on this incident can contact the RFJ office via the website, e-mail (info@rewardsforjustice.net), phone (800-877-3927 in North America), or mail (Rewards for Justice, Washington, D.C., 20520-0303, USA).

Individuals may also contact the Regional Security Officer at the nearest US embassy or consulate. “All information will be kept strictly confidential,” it added.

On this day, in 2008, 10 armed Pakistani terrorists entered Mumbai via the Arabian Sea and attacked city’s iconic places like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Hotel Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Hotel Trident, Nariman House (Jewish community centre) and Leopold Cafe.

Out of the 10 terrorists, Ajmal Kasab was the only terrorist who was captured alive. He was hanged four years later on November 21, 2012, at Pune’s Yerwada jail.

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