RAUTAHAT, August 18: An Indian Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) team has detained a Somali national near the Nepal-India border in Bihar’s Motihari district after his movements in the area reportedly raised suspicion.
The 20th Battalion of the SSB detained the man, identified as Kafi Ali, alias Hasi Ali, on Monday evening in Baidyanathpur, a border area adjoining Ishnath Municipality of Rautahat.
According to SSB sources, Ali had traveled by bus from the Indian border town of Ghodasahan to Baidyanathpur. His movements in the area prompted the security team to increase surveillance, and he was later detained on suspicion that he was preparing to cross into Nepal.
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Security officials said they recovered INR 25,000 in cash, a mobile phone, a microphone and other items from his possession.
Indian authorities have launched an investigation into Ali’s activities and the possible purpose of his alleged attempt to enter Nepal. Officials are also examining his passport and other travel documents, details of his entry into India, identification papers and possible contacts in the border area.
Sources said this particular incident has drawn attention given the security sensitivities surrounding the open Nepal-India border and the movement of third-country nationals through the area. Indian authorities have reportedly tightened surveillance along the border adjoining Rautahat following the detention.
The detention comes amid security concerns over the movement of third-country nationals across the porous Nepal-India border, including reports of Rohingya refugees entering Nepal by posing as Indian nationals. According to Nepal Police, 526 Rohingya refugees are officially registered in Nepal.
Ali is expected to face action under Indian law, while further details about his background and the purpose of his movements are expected to emerge after the investigation is completed, security sources said.
The movement of foreign nationals through border areas is considered a security-sensitive matter, particularly amid concerns over unauthorized entry. The incident is also likely to be closely watched by Nepali and Indian security agencies as they coordinate on border security.
