Border Bust: 3 Sri Lankans, 1 Indian Nabbed at Bahraich Border
SSB detains three Sri Lankan nationals and a Tamil Nadu man attempting to enter Nepal illegally via the Bahraich border.
In a swift operation late Wednesday night, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) intercepted four individuals attempting to sneak into Nepal illegally. The group, which included three Sri Lankan nationals and a woman from Tamil Nadu, was caught at the India-Nepal border in Bahraich after their suspicious behavior alerted local residents.
A Suspicious Encounter in the Forest
The drama unfolded near the Rupnawa checkpoint. The group had arrived in the border region via an auto-rickshaw and began asking locals for directions to enter Nepal. However, they weren't looking for the official crossing; instead, they were attempting to navigate through a dense forest route to avoid detection.
Local residents quickly became suspicious, noting a significant language barrier and the group's unusual queries. Sensing something was amiss, the locals immediately alerted the SSB, leading to the apprehension of the four individuals.
Expired Visas and Hidden Identities
Upon detention and preliminary questioning, the identities of the group were revealed. The three Sri Lankan nationals were identified as:
- Ajith Kumar (39)
- Koushalya (38)
- Prabhap (38)
All three are residents of Jaffna. The fourth person in the group was identified as Dharam Sudhakar (35), a resident of Tamil Nadu.
The investigation took a critical turn when authorities checked their travel documents. It was discovered that the visas of the three Sri Lankan citizens had expired approximately three months ago, making their presence in India and their attempt to cross the border illegal.
Police Investigation Underway
Following the arrest, the SSB handed the suspects over to the Murtiha Kotwali police station for further legal action. Yatindra Kumar Singh, the Kotwali station officer, confirmed the findings regarding the expired visas.
The authorities are now digging deeper into the motives behind this clandestine journey. Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Durga Prasad Tiwari stated that the individuals are currently undergoing interrogation.
What Happens Next?
The police are now coordinating with the Immigration Department to meticulously verify the travel documents and investigate the circumstances surrounding the group's stay in India. The core of the investigation aims to uncover why these individuals were attempting to enter Nepal and the reasons behind their lapsed visa status. Further legal proceedings will be initiated based on the evidence gathered during the ongoing probe.