CRPF defends dismissal of constable with Pak wife over security concerns

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has accused former constable Munir Ahmed of forging the signature of his Pakistani wife on their nikah nama and concealing critical details of his marriage, which allegedly posed a security threat. Ahmed was dismissed on May 2 under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution without a formal inquiry, citing concerns over national security.

Ahmed had filed a writ petition in the J&K and Ladakh High Court on May 23 challenging his dismissal, claiming he had followed due procedure in marrying Menal Khan, a Pakistani national. In response, the CRPF submitted a counter affidavit on July 29, urging the high court to dismiss the petition on multiple grounds, including the concealment of his marriage and forgery.

According to the CRPF, Ahmed married Menal via video conferencing on May 24, 2024, but failed to inform the department immediately, as required by service rules. Instead, he disclosed the marriage nearly five months later, on October 14, 2024. “Under rules, a government servant who marries a foreign national, especially from a hostile country, is bound to inform the government forthwith. The petitioner failed to comply,” the affidavit stated.

The force further alleged that Ahmed forged Menal’s signature on the nikah nama. “The document was prepared on May 24, 2024, at 10 pm and bears Menal’s signature on the same day. However, records show Menal Khan was in Pakistan at the time, making the signature fraudulent,” the CRPF claimed.

Raising national security concerns, the CRPF noted that Pakistan is considered a hostile country. “As a CRPF jawan, the petitioner had access to sensitive information regarding deployment, arms, and personnel. His relationship with a Pakistani national presents a potential security threat, including the risk of honey-trapping,” the affidavit stated.

The force also pointed out that Khan entered India on a short-term visa, which expired on March 22, 2025. Despite this, she continued to stay in India illegally, allegedly with Ahmed’s knowledge and assistance. “He actively supported her illegal stay in his residence in Jammu & Kashmir, despite knowing her visa status,” it said.

CRPF argued that the concealment of marriage, forging of documents, and harbouring of a Pakistani national compromised the integrity of the force. “In light of the seriousness of the misconduct and threat to national security, the Director General of CRPF approved immediate dismissal without a formal inquiry, as allowed under Article 311(2)(b),” the affidavit concluded.

The case is currently under judicial consideration, with the CRPF strongly opposing reinstatement or relief to Ahmed, citing national security and procedural violations.