Daijiworld Media Network - Jammu
Jammu, May 3: In a case that has raised serious national security concerns, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has dismissed a constable posted in Jammu and Kashmir for unauthorisedly marrying a Pakistani national and allowing her to overstay in India without departmental approval.
Constable (CT/GD) Munir Ahmed of the 41st Battalion has been removed from service with immediate effect after a departmental probe revealed that he violated official conduct rules by marrying Menal Khan, a Pakistani citizen, via WhatsApp video call on May 24, 2024, even before seeking formal permission.
CRPF sources said Ahmed failed to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) under Rule 21(3) of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which mandates prior approval for marrying foreign nationals, especially from neighbouring countries with sensitive diplomatic ties.
The internal inquiry, initiated after intelligence agencies flagged the marriage, revealed that the constable concealed the marriage, and allowed his wife to remain in India beyond the validity of her visa. Khan had entered India through the Wagah Border on a tourist visa valid until March 22.
However, officials say Ahmed did not inform the department that his wife was still residing in India after that date. He claimed she had applied for a Long-Term Visa (LTV), but failed to officially communicate this to the authorities.
The J&K zone of the CRPF had earlier reviewed Ahmed’s request and advised against granting the NOC due to policy concerns and the sensitive security environment in the region, especially after recent terror incidents in Pahalgam.
Following the inquiry, Menal Khan was taken to the Attari-Wagah border for deportation. However, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court granted her interim relief, allowing her to stay in India for 10 more days beyond April 29, pending further legal proceedings.
The CRPF has termed the matter as grave and deceptive, underlining that disciplinary action was essential in light of the potential national security implications.