FIR registered against hotel in Pahalgam for alleged violation of Foreigners Act

Srinagar, Dec 4: Police in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district have registered a case against a hotel in Pahalgam for allegedly violating provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act by failing to report the stay of two foreign nationals.

According to officials, a police team from Police Station Pahalgam, during routine inspections of hotels and guest houses in the Rafting Point area, found that Hotel Golden Heritage, located at Rafting Point, Yenner, had accommodated two visitors from Thailand without completing the mandatory reporting formalities.

The hotel management had “deliberately concealed their stay” and failed to submit the compulsory online Form C, which all lodging establishments are required to file for registration of foreign nationals, police said. Filing Form C is a legal requirement aimed at maintaining security oversight and ensuring proper documentation of foreign visitors.

Terming the lapse a serious security concern, police said the act amounts to a violation of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

Following the findings, FIR No. 79/2025 under Sections 8 and 23(b) of the Act was registered against the hotel management at Police Station Pahalgam. Further investigation is underway.

The Anantnag Police urged all hotels, guest houses and homestays to strictly adhere to legal and security protocols, emphasizing that non-compliance will invite strict action.