Ottawa: The Canadian government has reportedly initiated proceedings to revoke the citizenship of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The move comes ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s planned visit to India on February 26, as Canada seeks to improve diplomatic relations with New Delhi following tensions during the tenure of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Pakistan-born businessman Rana, 65, is currently in custody in India, where he is awaiting trial for his alleged role in the Mumbai terror attacks carried out by the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba. The coordinated attacks in November 2008 left more than 160 people dead and shocked the international community.
According to a report by Canadian publication Global News, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has formally notified Rana of its intention to revoke the Canadian citizenship he obtained in 2001. Rana had immigrated to Canada in 1997.
Allegations of Misrepresentation
The Canadian government’s action is reportedly not based directly on terrorism-related allegations. Instead, the IRCC has claimed that Rana obtained his citizenship through misrepresentation.
In its notice, the department alleged that Rana provided false information regarding his residency in Canada while applying for citizenship in 2000. He reportedly stated that he had lived in Ottawa and Toronto for four years before submitting his application and declared only a six-day absence from the country during that period.
However, an investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) allegedly found that Rana had spent most of that time in Chicago. During this period, he reportedly owned several properties and operated businesses there, including an immigration consultancy and a grocery store.
The IRCC described the alleged actions as “serious and deliberate deception,” stating that Rana’s failure to disclose prolonged absences led authorities to incorrectly conclude that he met the residency requirements necessary for Canadian citizenship.
In a letter dated May 31, 2024, the department informed Rana that the alleged misrepresentation had misled decision-makers into granting him citizenship despite questions over his eligibility.
Case Before Federal Court
The matter has now been referred to the Federal Court of Canada, which has the authority to determine whether Rana obtained citizenship through fraud, false representation, or the concealment of material facts.
Rana’s legal team has challenged the revocation process, arguing that the decision is unfair and violates his rights. A hearing related to the case was held in the Federal Court last week, during which government lawyers sought permission to withhold certain sensitive national security information.
An immigration department spokesperson stated that revoking citizenship in cases involving misrepresentation is an important step to protect the integrity of Canada’s citizenship system. The spokesperson also emphasised that such actions are taken cautiously and that judicial oversight ensures fairness in the process.
According to Global News, citizenship revocations in Canada remain relatively rare, with only a limited number of such cases reported over the past decade.
Extradition to India
Rana was formally arrested by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) on April 10 following his extradition from the United States. He was flown to New Delhi aboard a special aircraft from Los Angeles, where he had been held in custody.
Indian authorities are currently preparing to prosecute him for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
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