SSB Nabs 60 Escaped Inmates at India-Nepal Border, 2 Indian?
Nepal’s prison break sparks chaos; SSB intensifies border petrol.
India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), tasked with securing the India-Nepal border, has apprehended approximately 60 fugitives suspected of escaping during massive jailbreaks in Nepal. The arrests took place over the past 48 hours across multiple border points in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, officials confirmed to PTI. Most of the detainees are believed to be Nepalese nationals, with two or three claiming Indian citizenship—a claim currently under investigation.
The SSB, operating under India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, guards the 1,751-km unfenced India-Nepal border, spanning Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, and Sikkim. With around 50 battalions and 60,000 personnel deployed, the force has significantly ramped up its operations in response to the ongoing unrest in Nepal. “Vigilance has been heightened, and surveillance along the border is at an all-time high,” a senior SSB official stated. The force has also initiated joint patrols with Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF) and conducted independent flag marches to deter illegal crossings and maintain order.
The arrests come amid escalating chaos in Nepal, where violent protests have triggered a massive law-and-order crisis. On Tuesday, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned under pressure from the unrest, prompting the Nepal Army to impose strict restrictions across provinces. The turmoil has led to unprecedented jailbreaks, with over 15,000 prisoners reportedly escaping from more than two dozen facilities. Tragically, eight inmates have lost their lives in clashes with Nepalese security forces, including three killed on Thursday during a confrontation at a prison.
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India has assured Nepal of full cooperation during this crisis. The SSB is allowing genuine nationals of both countries with valid identification to cross the border while maintaining strict checks to prevent fugitives from slipping through. “We are working closely with our Nepalese counterparts to ensure stability and security,” the official added. Those apprehended have been handed over to state police forces in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal for further questioning and legal action.
As Nepal grapples with its internal crisis, India’s border forces remain on high alert, ready to tackle any challenges arising from the volatile situation across the border.
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