Jammu, May 3 — The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has dismissed a constable for marrying a woman from Pakistan-controlled Kashmir without obtaining mandatory departmental clearance, an act officials say violated service rules and raised national security concerns.
Constable Munir Ahmed of the 41st Battalion was removed from service “with immediate effect” after an internal review found that he concealed his marriage to Menal Khan, a Pakistani national, and failed to report her continued stay in India beyond the validity of her visa.
“His actions were found to be in violation of service conduct and detrimental to national security,” the CRPF said in an official statement.
Ahmed had earlier submitted a request to marry Khan, his cousin, but the marriage was solemnized before a formal no-objection certificate (NOC) could be issued by the force.
Officials said the CRPF’s Jammu and Kashmir zone had advised against the union, citing sensitive cross-border considerations, and the matter was referred to higher authorities for a policy-level decision.
The issue gained momentum in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, as the government of India suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals and directed all those in India to exit before their visas expired.
According to the CRPF, Khan had overstayed her tourist visa and was “knowingly harbored” by Ahmed.
Although he later claimed a long-term visa application had been filed, he failed to notify his department.
This omission, authorities said, constituted a breach of Rule 21(3) of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which mandates prior approval for marriages involving foreign nationals.
Khan was subsequently taken to the Wagah border for deportation. However, on April 29, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court granted a 10-day stay on her removal, pending further legal review.
Advocate Ankur Sharma, representing Khan, argued that the government’s “Leave India” directive exempted Pakistani nationals holding either diplomatic or long-term visas.
“She was sent back after the court passed an interim order,” Sharma said.
“Her deportation status will depend on the outcome of her visa application. A positive recommendation has reportedly been sent to the Home Ministry.”
Officials said the disciplinary action against Ahmed followed multiple lapses, including the ‘concealment of his marriage, failure to report visa status, and the perceived risk to national security.’