Himachal Police Seize Two Phones, Laptop and Tablet from Arrested Chinese National; Devices Sent to State Forensic Science Laboratory
Incident Overview
Police in Himachal Pradesh have seized two mobile phones, one laptop and one tablet from a Chinese national arrested in the McLeodganj area of Dharamsala. The electronic devices have been sent to the State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for detailed forensic examination as part of an ongoing investigation.
The accused has been identified as Lou Wennian, aged 60. He was arrested on February 2, 2026, for allegedly staying in India for approximately 130 days without a valid visa. Following the arrest, police registered a case under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946, at the McLeodganj police station.
Arrest, Remand and Seizure of Devices
After his arrest, Lou Wennian was produced before a local court in Dharamsala, which granted the police a three-day remand for further interrogation. During the period of police remand, investigators conducted searches and recovered multiple electronic devices believed to be linked to the accused.
According to police sources, the seized items include:
- Two mobile phones
- One laptop computer
- One tablet device
These devices were taken into custody following established evidence-handling procedures and subsequently forwarded to the State Forensic Science Laboratory for detailed technical analysis.
Forensic Examination at the State FSL
Police officials stated that the forensic examination will focus on assessing the accused’s activities, communication records, digital contacts and electronic data during his stay in India. The laboratory will analyze the devices to recover any information that could assist investigators in reconstructing timelines, identifying contacts, or establishing links relevant to the case.
Additional Superintendent of Police Bir Bahadur confirmed that the electronic devices were sent for forensic analysis to evaluate the accused’s digital footprint and potential connections.
Intelligence Agencies Join the Investigation
The case has attracted the attention of central intelligence agencies. The Intelligence Bureau and military intelligence have reportedly joined the investigation to examine whether the accused had connections beyond the local region or was involved in activities of a sensitive or strategic nature.
During preliminary questioning, the accused reportedly told investigators that he had previously worked with the Chinese police. Police sources also indicated that investigators are facing language barriers during interrogation, adding complexity to the questioning process.
Legal Status and Ongoing Proceedings
At present, the only confirmed charge registered in the case is under the Foreigners Act for illegal stay. No additional charges related to espionage or other criminal activities have been formally announced.
The accused is expected to be produced again before the court following the completion of the police remand. Further decisions regarding custody or additional charges will depend on the findings of the forensic examination and intelligence inputs.
What Remains Unknown
While the seizure and forensic transfer of electronic devices have been confirmed, several aspects of the case remain undisclosed:
- No details have been released regarding the contents of the seized devices
- The make, model, or encryption status of the devices has not been disclosed
- No forensic findings have yet been made public
- No official statement from central intelligence agencies has been issued
Importance of Digital Forensics in the Case
The decision to send multiple electronic devices for forensic examination underscores the growing reliance on digital forensics in modern criminal investigations. Mobile phones, laptops and tablets often store extensive data, including messages, location history, application activity and deleted files, which can provide investigators with critical insights.
The findings of the State Forensic Science Laboratory are expected to play a key role in determining the future direction of the investigation.
Source and Verification
This report is based on information published by Tribune News Service and official police statements available in the public domain as of February 5, 2026. Technical explanations related to forensic procedures are provided for informational clarity and do not represent confirmed findings in this case.
Budding Forensic Expert will continue to monitor developments and update readers as verified information emerges from forensic reports and court proceedings.
