A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer, Munir Ahmed, has been dismissed from service for allegedly hiding his marriage to a Pakistani national Minal Khan.

The dismissal came amid allegations that the officer violated service conduct rules, particularly by concealing the marriage and allowing his wife to overstay in India beyond her visa validity. The officer, who had been posted in Jammu and Kashmir, was transferred to Bhopal just one day prior to his dismissal.

According to Indian media reports, the CRPF maintains that Ahmed’s actions posed a security risk and contravened national protocols. However, Ahmed, in an exclusive statement to news agency PTI, denied the charges and claimed that he had received prior approval from CRPF headquarters before marrying Khan. He explained that the marriage took place in May 2024, following a long-distance relationship developed through online communications. The wedding ceremony, a video call nikah, occurred on May 24, after Ahmed received formal permission from CRPF headquarters.

“I was shocked when I first learned of my dismissal through media reports. Shortly thereafter, I received an official letter confirming the decision. However, I had followed all protocols and sought approval from CRPF headquarters before proceeding with the marriage,” said Ahmed, speaking from his home in the Gharota area of Jammu.

Ahmed further clarified that he had informed the CRPF of his intentions as early as December 31, 2022, and had submitted the required documentation through official channels. He claimed that all necessary permissions were granted before the marriage was solemnised. “I submitted affidavits from my family and local officials, and I received a go-ahead from the headquarters on April 30, 2024,” he added.

Despite Ahmed's claims, the CRPF argues that he failed to disclose his marriage to a Pakistani woman, violating service conduct rules. Furthermore, the force alleges that he permitted his wife to overstay in India after her visa expired on March 22, 2024. Minal Khan, who entered India via the Wagah-Attari border on February 28, had her visa extended following a legal challenge. The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh granted her a stay on her deportation after Ahmed and Khan applied for a Long-Term Visa and completed the required procedures.

In his defense, Ahmed stated that he had submitted photographs, the nikah certificate, and other official documents following the marriage, but was informed that there was no requirement for a No Objection Certificate. He believed that by informing his superiors and following the prescribed process, everything was in order.

Ahmed’s sudden dismissal came just days after his transfer to Bhopal, which he said was unusual. He was instructed to report to the 41st Battalion in Madhya Pradesh on March 29, 2024, after his marriage. During this time, he claims he clearly declared his marriage to the Pakistani national and updated the battalion’s records accordingly.

This dismissal takes place against the backdrop of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, especially following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people. The timing has raised concerns, with some speculating that the dismissal may be linked to the ongoing political and security concerns involving Pakistan.

Ahmed, who joined the CRPF in 2017, has expressed his intention to challenge the dismissal in court. As of now, his wife’s status in India remains uncertain, with the court granting her a temporary stay on her deportation, allowing her to remain in India for another 10 days.