CRPF constable Munir Ahmed said he received formal permission before marrying a Pakistani woman. However, the force later dismissed him, claiming he hid the marriage and violated security rules.
“I initially came to know about my dismissal through media reports. I shortly received a letter from the CRPF informing me about the dismissal, which came as a shock to me and my family, as I had sought and received permission for my marriage to a Pakistani woman from the headquarters,” Ahmed said.
CRPF Fired Him Over Security Concerns
According to the CRPF, Ahmed had concealed his marriage with Pakistani national Minal Khan. They also alleged that he let her stay in India even after her visa expired. As a result, they dismissed him citing “national security” concerns.
Nevertheless, Ahmed denied the charges. He said he followed every rule. Moreover, he announced that he will challenge the dismissal in court.
He Started the Process in 2022
Earlier, Ahmed had informed the force about his marriage plans. “I made the first correspondence on December 31, 2022 informing my wish to marry the Pakistani national and I was asked to complete formalities like enclosing copies of passport, marriage card and affidavits,” he said.
Consequently, he submitted the required documents. These included affidavits from himself, his parents, the local sarpanch, and a district council member. Eventually, the headquarters approved his request on April 30, 2024.
He Says NOC Was Not Needed
Ahmed stated that officials told him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) was not necessary. In fact, he claimed there was no provision for NOC under the rules since he had already informed the government.
Marriage Took Place Online
Later, Ahmed and Minal Khan got married online. “We got married online on May 24, 2024, through a video call and submitted marriage pictures, ‘Nikkah’ papers and marriage certificate to the 72 Battalion,” he explained.
They Applied for a Long-Term Visa Immediately
When Minal arrived in India on February 28 on a 15-day visa, they quickly applied for a Long-Term Visa in March. “We applied for a Long Term Visa in March itself and completed the necessary formalities, including interview,” Ahmed added.
Soon, media reports revealed that she was facing deportation. However, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court intervened. As a result, Minal Khan avoided deportation and stayed with Ahmed in their Jammu residence. Ahmed said the court granted relief because they had applied for the visa without delay.
Ahmed Informed Officials at New Posting
After his leave, the CRPF transferred Ahmed to the 41st Battalion in Bhopal. He said he told senior officers about his marriage after joining duty there. “I was given the order copy and relieved immediately, leaving me with no option but to join my duties at Bhopal, where I joined on March 29. I faced the interview of the commanding officer and his deputy on reaching there and also completed the documentation process, clearly mentioning my marriage to a Pakistani woman,” he said.
Additionally, he said he recorded the marriage in the battalion’s data record book. Now, he plans to take legal action against his dismissal.
