Police in Karnataka's Udupi district have taken legal action against a group of foreign nationals discovered to be residing and working illegally at a local resort. The case came to light following a routine visit to a government hospital.
Hospital Visit Uncovers Illegal Stay
The chain of events began when a foreign national visited the government hospital in Barkur seeking medical treatment, stating she was pregnant. When hospital staff requested her identity and travel documents, she failed to produce any valid papers. Alerted by the lack of documentation, the hospital authorities promptly informed the Brahmavar police station.
Acting on the tip, a police sub-inspector conducted an inquiry which led to a resort in Hanehalli village. The investigation revealed that six adults and three children were staying at the resort without any legal authorization. The adults were identified as Ripak Damai (28), Sunita Damai (27), Urmila (19), Kailash Damai (18), Kapil Damai (19), and another Sunita Damai (21).
Nationality Unclear Due to Lack of Documents
A critical finding of the police inquiry was the complete absence of any legitimate identification. None of the individuals could produce documents to prove Indian nationality or establish their country of origin. Police officials stated that their nationality could not be clearly ascertained as they possessed no identity cards, birth records, valid passports, travel documents, or visas.
"They are suspected to be foreign nationals who illegally entered India, but they could not state the country they came from or their nationality due to the absence of any supporting documents," a police statement explained. The group has been given a week's time to submit any relevant documents.
Case Registered, SP Issues Stern Directive
Based on the investigation, Brahmavar police registered a formal case invoking Section 3 read with Section 21 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act.
Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar used the incident to issue a stern warning and guidelines. He emphasized that when foreign citizens stay at resorts or lodges, their C Form must be obtained and details mandatorily reported to the district police office. He highlighted that the illegal stay of foreign nationals may pose a threat to internal security and urged immediate reporting of any such instances.
SP Shankar also put resort and lodge owners on notice. "Employing people without proper identification or background information in resorts or lodges is an offence. Legal action will be initiated against the owners," he stated. He warned that cases would be registered against managers and owners who permit illegal activities on their premises and directed all establishments in the district to comply.
