Star Indian vocal singer with US passport visiting India since 2022 without filing Form C

A prominent Indian singer obtained US citizenship in 2022 but failed to report his stays in India. (AI image)

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.According to the source, the singer said he had never filled Form C during his earlier visits to India. The Agra filing was the first time his stay had been reported through the form, the source said. Records confirming details of his previous visits were not available.The singer, a US citizen who was previously an Indian citizen, obtained US citizenship around 2022, the source said.

He entered India through Mumbai on Monday on a business visa.The source said he was visiting for his scheduled performances in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and various other cities.A Bureau of Immigration notice clarifies that the accommodation provider must report every foreign national staying at its premises to the registration officer.The foreign guest is required to furnish the particulars requested by the provider.

Under Rule 17, Form III, formerly Form C, must be submitted electronically within 24 hours of a foreign national’s check-in and check-out.The notice says the requirement applies regardless of the duration of stay and covers all foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders and minors.The notice also says a live photograph of each foreign guest should be taken at reception for identity verification and completion of Form III.

It cites Sections 8(1) and 8(2) of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, concerning the respective duties of accommodation providers and foreign guests.Hotel staff alerted the FRRO, which followed up to ensure the form was filed. Under the rules, the accommodation provider is responsible for submitting it.The singer presented an Aadhaar obtained while he was an Indian citizen, sources said. A UIDAI official said Aadhaar establishes identity, not citizenship.

Foreign nationals may apply for Aadhaar after residing in India for 182 days, with validity linked to their visa, the official said.“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.According to intelligence sleuths, 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.

Foreign tourists are charged Rs 1100, while domestic tourists are charged Rs 50.