Chinese National Arrested in Dharamshala for Illegal Stay on Expired Visa
In a significant security development, the police have apprehended a Chinese national in Mcleodganj, Dharamshala, for residing there illegally on an expired visa for approximately four months. The arrest occurred in the sensitive area that serves as the home of the Dalai Lama and the headquarters of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
Details of the Arrest and Accused
Police officials arrested Luo Wennian, aged 60, from a rented house in Mcleodganj on Monday. According to investigations, Luo had been living in the accommodation for around three to five months. His passport indicated he belonged to Sichuan province in China and was issued in Yunnan.
The accused was produced before a local court in Dharamshala on Tuesday, where he was remanded to police custody for three days. Kangra ASP Bir Bahadur stated, "The accused entered India through Nepal and started living in rented accommodation. His visa expired around 4 months ago, and he lived there illegally ever since. We have registered a case under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act."
Visa Irregularities and Investigation
Police revealed that Luo carried a tourist visa issued by the government of Nepal, valid from June 29, 2025, to September 26, 2025. He entered India in September and stayed in Mcleodganj for about four months without any valid Indian visa. Authorities also questioned the house owner, who had rented the accommodation to Luo without filling the mandatory C-form required for all foreigners.
During the preliminary investigation, police discovered approximately 4,00,000 Chinese yuan in Luo's bank account. Forensic experts are currently examining electronic gadgets seized from the accused. An officer added, "We are also checking all the locations he frequently visited during his illegal stay, especially the sensitive zones from the security point of view in Mcleodganj."
Potential Espionage Links and Background
Investigators are probing whether Luo was involved in espionage activities in Dharamshala. Notably, it appears that the accused, who speaks only Chinese, previously served in the Chinese police. This detail has heightened security concerns given the area's significance.
Mcleodganj, as the residence of the Dalai Lama and the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile, attracts a large number of visitors from India and abroad annually. For security reasons, the government has established offices of various central agencies there. Last year, the Centre provided Z-category security cover to the Tibetan spiritual leader due to potential security threats.
The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of Luo's activities and any possible security breaches during his illegal stay in this strategically important region.
