Srinagar, Dec 8: The mobile phone of a 29-year-old Chinese national, detained in Srinagar for violating visa conditions, has been sent for detailed forensic examination after it was found that he had travelled to several strategically sensitive locations in Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday.
The man, identified as Hu Congtai, remains in detention as he has not given satisfactory explanations for his visit to border regions. He came under scrutiny after an Army unit detected unusual internet activity linked to him. His browsing history allegedly showed interest in paramilitary deployments in the Kashmir Valley, raising concerns about the purpose of his travel.
Officials said Hu had spent three days touring the Zanskar region of Ladakh late last month, visiting several sensitive spots before flying to Srinagar on December 1. Investigators are examining whether he deleted any digital traces before arriving in the Valley. His phone has been handed over for forensic analysis to retrieve deleted data and verify his online activity.
Hu had arrived in India on November 19 on a tourist visa meant exclusively for visiting Buddhist religious sites in Varanasi, Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Sarnath, Gaya and Kushinagar. However, he bypassed visa restrictions by taking a flight to Leh on November 20, allegedly using his resemblance to locals to avoid registering at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) counter at the airport.
During questioning, Hu claimed he was unaware that Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir were restricted areas under his visa. He said he had lived in the United States for nine years studying Physics at Boston University and enjoyed travelling globally. Officials, however, noted that he had also obtained an Indian SIM card from the open market and stayed in an unregistered guest house in Srinagar.
According to phone data accessed by investigators, Hu visited Harwan, which last year witnessed an encounter killing a Lashkar-e-Taiba militant. He also visited the Awantipur ruins, located near the Army’s Victor Force headquarters in south Kashmir. Additionally, he toured several areas in Srinagar, including Shankaracharya Hill, Hazratbal and the Mughal Gardens. His phone history reportedly contained searches on CRPF deployments and Article 370, abrogated in 2019.
Hu’s passport shows extensive travel history, including visits to the US, New Zealand, Brazil, Fiji and Hong Kong. Officials said he had violated visa rules and may be deported after investigations are completed.
Following the case, Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted surprise checks on hotels, guest houses and B&B establishments, finding several violating rules on reporting foreign guests.
