New Delhi/Siddharthnagar: In the wake of ongoing unrest and violent protests in Nepal, 35 escaped inmates from various Nepalese prisons have been apprehended by India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) along the Indo-Nepal border, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The fugitives, who crossed into India amid the chaos triggered by civil disturbances in Nepal, were intercepted during intensified border patrol operations in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. Officials warn that the number of escapees may climb as search efforts continue.
Border Sealed Amid Nepal Turmoil
Security measures were ramped up across key border points following reports of multiple jailbreaks across Nepal, a country currently grappling with political instability and widespread protests.
“Heightened surveillance was initiated at vulnerable entry points such as Khunwa and Aligarhwa in Uttar Pradesh,” said Abhishek Mahajan, Superintendent of Police, Siddharthnagar. “Our teams have been working around the clock to prevent unlawful entry and detain those crossing without documentation.”
Region-Wise Arrest Breakdown
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Uttar Pradesh: 22 fugitives
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Bihar: 10 fugitives
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West Bengal: 3 fugitives
The operations were carried out in close coordination between the SSB and local law enforcement agencies, aided by intelligence sharing between border outposts.
Indian Nationals Among Detainees
While most of those caught are believed to be Nepalese nationals, several Indian citizens who were incarcerated in Nepal were also identified among the escapees. Those arrested include:
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Hashmat Ali Darzi (30), Siddharthnagar, UP
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Gorakh Yadav (40)
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Sonu Choudhary (30), Kushinagar, UP
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Shakil Darzi (24)
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Salahuddin (33)
All five had been serving sentences in Nepal on charges ranging from theft to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act violations, officials said.
Inmates Cite Fear and Chaos in Nepal
During questioning, many of the arrested inmates claimed they fled the prisons in Nepal to escape what they described as a “terrifying” and lawless situation.
According to one police official involved in the interrogation process, “The escapees spoke of violent conditions inside the prisons, with security breakdowns and threats to their lives due to the civil unrest outside.”
Cross-Border Coordination Underway
With the situation in Nepal still volatile, Indian authorities remain on high alert. Coordination between the SSB, state police forces, and Nepalese law enforcement has been stepped up to track down additional escapees and prevent infiltration.
Officials emphasized that anyone found aiding the fugitives or helping them cross the border illegally will face strict legal action under Indian immigration and security laws.
