PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Uttarkashi
Remaining alert over the security of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrims, the Barkot police have filed FIR against two hotel operators for accommodating foreign nationals without informing the police under the ongoing Operation Prahar. Police warned of similar action against the operators of hotels, resorts and Dharmamshalas if they do the same.
Under the direction of the superintendent of police, Uttarkashi, Kamlesh Upadhyay, verification of outsiders and frequent checks of hotels, Dhabas, restaurants and Ashrams are being carried out to ensure security during the pilgrimage.
During the security check, Barkot police learned that a foreign national had been accommodated at a hotel in Jankichatti, the final stop on the Yamunotri pilgrimage route, on April 16 without informing them. Six foreign nationals had also been accommodated at a resort in Kharsali on April 19, without police knowledge. Given the seriousness of the matter, police launched an elaborate investigation.
Under the supervision of the deputy superintendent of police, Barkot, Chanchal Sharma, the Barkot Kotwali police, under the direction of the Inspector-in-charge, Barkot, Subhash Chandra, conducted a thorough investigation into the matter. Upon finding the information having substance, two separate cases were registered against the operators of the hotel and the resort under appropriate sections of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Further legal action is being taken by the police, Chandra said. .
The SP stated that no laxity regarding security arrangements would be tolerated during the Yatra. “With this objective in view, hotels, restaurants, Dharamshalas, homestays and other accommodations are being regularly checked and the occupants, tourists and suspicious individuals are being constantly monitored,” Upadhyay said and appealed to all hotel and Dharamshala operators to keep the complete details and identity card information of every tourist and pilgrim staying there. “We are particularly serious about the foreign nationals. It is mandatory to fill up Form C and report them to the local police and intelligence units concerned. Accommodating foreign nationals without informing police is illegal and against the rules,” the SP said.
It is noteworthy that, as per the provisions of The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, any hotel, resort, guest house, homestay, educational institution and hospital in India must provide information about the stay of foreign nationals within 24 hours through the Form C on the online IVFRT portal. “The purpose of this law is to strengthen digital surveillance of foreigners, prevent forged documents and strengthen national security,” the SP added.
