Munir Ahmed, a member of India’s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), was dismissed for allegedly hiding his marriage to Pakistani national Minal Khan.
Authorities claim he violated service rules by failing to report the marriage and allowing his wife to remain in India after her visa had expired.
Previously stationed in Jammu and Kashmir, Ahmed was transferred to Bhopal just a day before his termination. Speaking from his home in Jammu, he said he first learned about his dismissal through media reports, before receiving official confirmation.
Ahmed defended himself by saying he had done everything as per procedure. He claimed he had informed the CRPF about his relationship as early as December 2022 and had gotten clearance from headquarters before marrying Khan on May 24, 2024, in an online nikah ceremony. He also presented supporting papers such as affidavits, the marriage certificate, and photographs.
Even though these allegations were made, CRPF officials accuse him of failing to report the marriage adequately and also of failing to respond when his wife’s visa expired on March 22, 2024.
Minal Khan had entered India via the Wagah-Attari border on February 28. When her visa lapsed, the couple went to the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, which gave her a reprieve while they sought a long-term visa.
Ahmed claimed that he had updated his records with the new CRPF unit after his transfer and felt he had done everything the authorities required of him officially. He also claimed that he was never required to submit a No Objection Certificate.
His unexpected removal has sparked controversy, particularly since it follows closely on the heels of a massive terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 dead, adding to India-Pakistan tensions. Others feel the timing of his ouster may be driven by the increased security environment.
Ahmed, who was recruited to the force in 2017, intends to legally contest the decision. His wife has been permitted to remain in India for another 10 days by a court order pending her visa case being processed.
