French Journalist held in Jammu and Kashmir for alleged violation of visa norms
Srinagar, Dec 11 (IBNS): Award winning French television journalist has been arrested in Srinagar by police for allegedly violating visa norms.
According to a senior police officer, Comiti Paul Edward was arrested from Kothi Bagh area of Srinagar on Sunday evening for violation of visa norms.
"He was having passport number 17 CH 69445 and Indian visa type business number 900 WdC 614 valid up to 22 December 2018," the officer said.
The officer said according to a complaint, the French journalist "had violated visa norms and was found preparing documentary on pellet victims and interviewing separatists."
"In this regard, a case under FIR number 87 / 2017 under section 14 B of Passport Act was registered in Police Station Khotibagh.
The Act, police said, envisages seizure of passport or travel documents from any person against whom a reasonable suspicion exists that he has committed any offense punishable under section 12.
Comiti won an award in 2009 in Bayeux for reporting on French soldiers being ambushed in Afghanistan.
Police officials said that Comiti arrived in Kashmir on a business visa around 10 days ago.
The accused has been arrested and the French Embassy informed about it, the police officer added.
(Reporting by Saleem Qadri)
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