The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has dismissed Constable Munir Ahmed from its 41st Battalion due to his marriage to a Pakistani national, Menal Khan, without obtaining the necessary prior approval. Officials described this act as a serious breach of conduct and a potential threat to national security.
The dismissal follows an internal inquiry revealing that Ahmed formalized his marriage with Khan on May 24, 2024, through a WhatsApp video call. This occurred while his official request for permission to marry a foreign national was still pending review. His actions contravene Rule 21(3) of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which mandates securing governmental clearance for marriages involving nationals from countries regarded as sensitive from a security perspective.
Khan had reportedly rejoined Ahmed in India after the Jammu and Kashmir High Court granted her temporary relief from deportation, which had halted proceedings at the Attari border. However, investigations indicate that Ahmed not only concealed the marriage from his superiors but also knowingly permitted Khan to overstay her visa, worsening the situation.
A senior CRPF official, speaking anonymously, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is not just a procedural lapse. Given the operational sensitivity of CRPF personnel, especially those deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, Ahmed’s actions posed a direct risk to national security. Such breaches of discipline and trust are intolerable.”
This incident occurs in a context of heightened vigilance following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals and prompted a series of retaliatory actions from the Indian government. These measures include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, the closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and the freezing of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals.
In response to the attack, authorities have deported 786 Pakistani nationals via the Attari-Wagah border as security protocols are intensified. Ahmed’s dismissal reflects the government’s broader crackdown and signifies increased scrutiny regarding cross-border affiliations involving members of the armed forces and paramilitary services.
Investigations are ongoing to explore the full extent of Ahmed’s actions, including the legality and intent behind the online “nikaah” ceremony. The CRPF has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward any breaches that compromise institutional integrity or national security.
