New Delhi: The Canadian government has initiated proceedings to revoke the citizenship of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The development comes just days before Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to visit India on February 26, amid efforts to rebuild strained ties between Ottawa and New Delhi following tensions during the tenure of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Rana, a Pakistan born businessman who became a Canadian citizen in 2001, is currently in custody in India. He is awaiting trial in connection with the 26/11 attacks carried out by the Pakistan based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, which claimed more than 160 lives.
According to Canadian authorities, the move to revoke Rana’s citizenship is not linked to terrorism charges but to alleged misrepresentation during his citizenship application. Immigration officials contend that Rana provided false information about his residency status when applying in 2000. He had immigrated to Canada in 1997.
Investigations reportedly found discrepancies between his declared residence history and his actual time spent in the country. While Rana claimed to have lived in Ottawa and Toronto for four years with only brief absences, authorities allege he spent much of that period in Chicago, where he owned properties and operated businesses. Officials have described the alleged misrepresentation as deliberate and serious, arguing that it led to the wrongful grant of citizenship.
The matter has been referred to the Federal Court of Canada, which will determine whether his citizenship was obtained through fraud or concealment of material facts. Rana’s legal team has contested the proceedings, calling the decision unfair and a violation of his rights. Government lawyers have also sought permission to withhold certain sensitive national security information during court hearings.
In India, the National Investigation Agency formally arrested Rana on April 10 following his extradition from the United States.
