The Canadian government has begun proceedings to revoke the citizenship of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, an accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, just days before Prime Minister Mark Carney’s scheduled visit to India on February 26, as per reports.
Rana, a Pakistan-born businessman, is currently in Indian custody after being extradited from the United States. He is facing trial for his alleged involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba, which left more than 160 people dead.
However, Canadian authorities clarified that the move to cancel his citizenship is not based on terrorism allegations. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has alleged that Rana obtained Canadian citizenship in 2001 through misrepresentation.
Officials reportedly claim that he provided incorrect information about his residency status while applying in 2000. Although Rana reportedly declared that he had been living in Ottawa and Toronto with only brief absences, an investigation found he had spent extended periods in Chicago managing businesses.
The matter has now been referred to the federal court of Canada , which will determine whether his citizenship was secured through fraud or concealment of material facts. Rana’s legal team has opposed the decision, arguing that it violates his rights. Canadian officials maintain that such actions are necessary to safeguard the integrity of the country’s immigration system.
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