Police in coastal Udupi district have registered a case against nine suspected foreign nationals, including three minor children, for allegedly staying and working illegally at a private resort within the Brahmavar police limits, officials said.
Case detected after hospital alert
The matter came to light on December 19 after staff at the Barkur Primary Health Centre alerted the police when a pregnant woman arrived for treatment but was unable to clearly establish her identity or place of residence. Acting on the information, a police team led by Police Sub-Inspector Ashok Malabaghi visited the resort premises around 2.30 pm.
During the inspection, police found nine persons — three men, three women, and three children — residing at the resort.
Failure to produce valid documents
The adults were identified as Ripak Damai (28), Sunita Damai (27), Urmila (19), Kailash Damai (18), Kapil Damai (19), and another woman identified as Sunita Damai (21). Police officials said none of the adults were able to produce valid passports, visas, or work permits authorising their stay or employment in India.
Preliminary inquiries suggested that the group may have been engaged in work at the resort in violation of visa norms, though this is still under verification.
Immigration law violations suspected
Based on the findings, police registered a case under Sections 3 read with 21 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Authorities are now verifying the nationality and immigration status of all nine individuals, including the minor children, and are coordinating with immigration authorities to establish the facts.
Superintendent of Police, Udupi district, Hariram Shankar said the investigation was continuing. “Based on preliminary verification, we found possible violations of immigration rules. Document verification is under way, and further action will be taken strictly as per law,” he said.
Resort management under scrutiny
Police are also examining the role of the resort management in allegedly providing accommodation and employment to foreign nationals without mandatory clearances. Officials said that if violations are established, legal action will be initiated against those responsible for facilitating the illegal stay or work.
The case has highlighted concerns over compliance with immigration and labour regulations in the coastal tourism sector, with authorities reiterating that strict action will be taken against both violators and facilitators once the investigation is completed.