BIRGUNJ, June 28: Locals alleged that smuggling was continuing through the Sirsiya border point in Birgunj and accused an Armed Police Force (APF) deputy superintendent of police (DSP) of failing to stop it during Home Minister Sudan Gurung's surprise inspection on Saturday.
A video of the visit shows local resident Surendra Sah telling the minister that four motorcycles loaded with smuggled goods were waiting on the Indian side of the border and would enter Nepal after the inspection team left. In the footage, Gurung is seen asking a member of his team to go and verify the claim.
Another local, Mukesh Sah, pointed to a CCTV camera installed at the border and alleged that it was being used to facilitate smuggling. He also claimed that the APF DSP stationed at the border did not take action against smugglers. Responding to the allegation, the minister asked where the CCTV footage was monitored, and locals replied that it was monitored from the APF camp.
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According to the APF, the Sirsiya border point falls under the Dry Port Border Outpost (BOP), which is commanded by DSP Gobinda KC of APF Battalion No. 13, Birgunj.
Locals further alleged that smugglers were bringing goods into Nepal from India after paying monthly payments to members of the Nepal Police and APF. These allegations have not been independently verified.
The minister, wearing a black cap, face mask and sunglasses, visited the border without prior notice to security agencies and spoke with residents about cross-border smuggling. He reportedly remained at the Sirsiya border from around 1 pm to 3 pm.
Gurung had conducted similar surprise inspections at several border points in Bara on Friday after attending the general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and continued the inspections in Parsa on Saturday. Reports said local security officials were also unaware of the unannounced visits.
