Lucknow: A prominent Indian singer who reportedly acquired US citizenship in 2022 had been travelling to India since then without his stays being reported through Form C, an official source said. During his latest visit to Agra, his stay was recorded through the form for the first time after FRRO officials stood firm on compliance. Hotel staff alerted the FRRO after the singer initially did not provide identification documents.
The singer checked into a prominent Agra hotel between 4pm and 6pm on Monday, Oct 26, the source said. About three hours later, his Aadhaar was presented. Form C was submitted after Tuesday midnight, following the FRRO’s follow-up. The singer had checked out by then.
The singer, a US citizen who was previously an Indian citizen, obtained US citizenship around 2022, the source said. Foreign nationals may apply for Aadhaar after residing in India for 182 days, with validity linked to their visa, the official said. Foreign tourists are charged Rs 1100, while domestic tourists are charged Rs 50.
The US singer visited an ASI-protected monument in Agra on Aadhaar issued when he was Indian citizen, therefore, he managed to avoid charges/fee which is levied on foreign nationals, according to intelligence sleuths. The Agra filing was the first time his stay had been reported through the form, the source said.
The singer said he had never filled Form C during his earlier visits to India, according to the source. The source said he was visiting for his scheduled performances in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and various other cities. The singer presented an Aadhaar obtained while he was an Indian citizen, sources said. A UIDAI official said Aadhaar establishes identity, not citizenship. “Since there is currently no provision requiring a person to surrender Aadhaar if their citizenship status changes, this US citizen has been misusing the Aadhaar for his benefit,” the official added.
Records confirming details of his previous visits were not available. He entered India through Mumbai on Monday on a business visa.