Mumbai: The Canadian government has initiated the process to revoke the citizenship of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the alleged mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. This move comes ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s planned visit to India on February 26.
This move is reported to be amid efforts to improve relations between India and Canada, which became strained during the tenure of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Allegation of providing false information
Pakistan-born businessman Tahawwur Rana is currently in judicial custody in India and facing trial in cases related to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. These attacks were carried out by the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, which killed over 160 people.
According to Canada’s Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC), Rana was granted citizenship in 2001 based on alleged false information. The department alleges that he provided misleading information about his Canadian residency during his 2000 citizenship application.
RCMP Investigation Revealed
According to the IRCC report, Rana claimed to have lived in Ottawa and Toronto for four years and spent only six days outside the country during that period. However, an investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) revealed that he spent most of that time in Chicago, where he owned several businesses and properties.
The department has described this as “serious and deliberate fraud.” The case has now been referred to the Federal Court of Canada, which has final jurisdiction.
Legal Challenge in Court
Rana’s lawyers have challenged the process of revoking his citizenship, calling it unfair and a violation of his rights. A hearing was held in the Federal Court last week, during which government lawyers sought permission to keep certain sensitive national security information confidential.
An Immigration Department spokesperson stated that revoking citizenship in cases of false information is necessary to maintain the system’s credibility and such decisions are extremely rare.
NIA Action in India
On April 10, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) formally arrested Rana after his extradition from the United States. He was brought to New Delhi from Los Angeles by a special flight, where senior National Security Guard and NIA officials were present.