The Canadian government has reportedly initiated proceedings to revoke the citizenship of Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian national accused of playing a significant role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The development comes ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s scheduled visit to India, adding diplomatic and political significance to the move.

According to documents obtained by Global News, immigration authorities have formally notified Rana that they intend to strip him of the Canadian citizenship he acquired in 2001. The decision is reportedly based not on terrorism-related charges but on alleged misrepresentation in his citizenship application.

The timing of the decision has drawn attention, as it coincides with Carney’s upcoming diplomatic engagement with India, a country that has long sought accountability in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

Who is Tahawwur Rana

Tahawwur Rana, 64, was born in Pakistan and later became a Canadian citizen. He is widely known for his association with David Coleman Headley, also known as Daood Gilani, a U.S. citizen and one of the key conspirators in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Headley conducted reconnaissance missions in Mumbai before the attacks and later cooperated with U.S. authorities. Rana was considered a close associate of Headley and faced legal proceedings in the United States.

Rana immigrated to Canada in 1997 and obtained Canadian citizenship in 2001. However, his background and activities have been under scrutiny for years due to his alleged involvement in international terror plots.

Extradition to India

In April 2025, Rana was extradited from the United States to India. Upon arrival in New Delhi, he was immediately arrested by the National Investigation Agency NIA, which has been investigating the 26/11 attacks.

The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks claimed the lives of 166 people and injured hundreds more. The coordinated attacks targeted multiple locations in Mumbai, including hotels, a railway station, and a Jewish community centre.

Indian authorities have long pursued legal action against individuals linked to the attacks, including those who operated from outside India.

Citizenship Revocation Proceedings

The current move by Canada focuses on Rana’s citizenship status rather than the terrorism charges themselves. According to reports, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada IRCC has accused Rana of making false statements in his citizenship application.

When Rana applied for Canadian citizenship in 2000, he reportedly claimed that he had lived in Ottawa and Toronto for the previous four years, with only a six-day absence from Canada.

However, an investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police RCMP allegedly found that Rana had spent most of that period in Chicago. Authorities say he owned multiple properties and operated businesses in Chicago, including an immigration consultancy and a grocery store.

The IRCC reportedly concluded that Rana engaged in “a serious and deliberate deception” and demonstrated “a lack of respect for the citizenship laws of Canada.” The revocation proceedings are based on these alleged misrepresentations rather than direct involvement in terrorist activities.

Legal Basis for Revocation

Under Canadian law, citizenship can be revoked if it was obtained through fraud, false representation, or knowingly concealing material circumstances.

In this case, the government’s position is that Rana misrepresented his physical presence in Canada during the qualifying period required for citizenship. Accurate disclosure of residency is a fundamental requirement in citizenship applications.

If authorities determine that the citizenship was granted based on false information, they have the power to revoke it through due legal process.

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