Four Detained At Indo-Nepal Border In UP After Sri Lankan Nationals Found With Expired Visas

LUCKNOW: Security personnel detained four individuals, including Sri Lankan nationals, near the Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district after they were found travelling with expired visas. The group was intercepted by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and local police late Wednesday night while allegedly attempting to cross into Nepal through a forest route.

The incident occurred near the Rajhanwa checkpost, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Murtiha police station. According to reports, the group had initially arrived at the Mihipurwa bus stand in a private bus and subsequently hired an e-rickshaw to reach a border village. A dispute over the fare and a noticeable language barrier drew the attention of security forces, leading to the interception.

While the detainees possessed valid passports, the visas for the Sri Lankan citizens had expired approximately three months prior to their arrest, police officials said. ThePrint reported that three Sri Lankan nationals and one woman from Tamil Nadu were detained during the operation. However, the ETV Bharat identified the arrested individuals as two Sri Lankan nationals—Ajith Kumar and Kaushalya—and two Tamil Nadu residents, Pratap and Dhanam.

Upon seeing the SSB patrol from the Taranagar Border Outpost, the suspects attempted to flee and allegedly assaulted the e-rickshaw driver before being apprehended by the joint team. They were subsequently taken to the Murtiha Kotwali police station for processing. Murtiha Station House Officer Yatindra Singh confirmed that security agencies are currently questioning the persons to determine their exact route, purpose of visit, and the role of the Indian nationals accompanying them.

The presence of foreign nationals with expired visas attempting to navigate the porous Indo-Nepal border highlights ongoing security challenges in the region. The open border with Nepal, governed by the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, allows free movement for citizens of both countries, but third-country nationals require valid visas and specific permits. The involvement of Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu accompanying the Sri Lankans suggests a potential organized transit network, prompting intelligence agencies to investigate the broader nexus and how the foreign nationals entered Indian territory initially.

Further legal action will be initiated once the interrogation is complete, authorities said. The SSB has heightened patrols along the Bahraich border to prevent any unauthorized crossings while the investigation into this specific transit attempt continues.