The Canada government started the process to revoke the citizenship of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. This decision comes ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to India on February 26. Ottawa aims to improve its relationship with New Delhi, which had been strained under the previous Justin Trudeau government.
Reason Behind Canada’s Move: Alleged Misrepresentation
The government’s decision to revoke Rana’s citizenship is not based on allegations of terrorism. The IRCC notice claims that Rana’s citizenship was granted based on misrepresentation. They allege he provided false information about his residency in Canada when he applied for citizenship in 2000.
The IRCC report notes that Rana said he lived in Ottawa and Toronto for four years before his application, mentioning only a six-day absence from the country. However, an investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) discovered that he spent most of that time in Chicago. Where he owned multiple properties and ran businesses, including an immigration consultancy and a grocery store, according to Global News.
Background: Rana’s Role in the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks
Rana, a businessman born in Pakistan, is currently in custody in India. He is awaiting trial on charges linked to the Mumbai attacks carried out by the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba, which left more than 160 people dead in 2008.
According to Global News, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) notified Rana that it plans to take away his Canadian citizenship, which he obtained in 2001. The 65-year-old moved to Canada in 1997.
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