Chinese Man Detained in Kashmir for Illegal Travel, Searched Article 370
A Chinese national, Hu Congtai, was detained in India for violating visa rules and travelling to sensitive areas in Ladakh and Kashmir without permission.
A 29-year-old Chinese national, Hu Congtai, has been detained by Indian security agencies for breaking visa rules and travelling to sensitive areas without permission. Hu arrived in India on 19 November 2025 on a tourist visa that allowed him to visit selected Buddhist sites in cities such as Varanasi, Agra, New Delhi, Jaipur, Sarnath, Gaya, and Kushinagar. However, he secretly changed his travel plan soon after entering India.
On 20 November, Hu flew to Leh, a highly sensitive border region where all foreign visitors must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). He did not register, which alerted local intelligence and police teams. Officials said he tried to blend in like a local person. From Leh, he travelled to the remote Zanskar region and stayed there for three days, visiting areas that are considered strategically sensitive.
On 1 December, Hu flew to Srinagar and stayed in an unregistered guesthouse instead of a registered hotel. During his stay, he visited several high-security locations including Harwan, Awantipora ruins near an army headquarters, Shankaracharya Hill, Hazratbal Shrine, Dal Lake, and the Mughal Gardens.
When questioned, officials checked his phone and found searches related to CRPF deployment, Article 370, and the use of an Indian SIM card bought from the open market. Security agencies believed his visit may not have been only for tourism. Hu was detained on 7 December 2025 for visa violations and unauthorised travel. His phone has been sent for forensic tests.
The Chinese Embassy has been informed, and Hu may be deported. After this case, police also found several foreigners staying illegally in Srinagar areas, leading to multiple FIRs against property owners.
