Chinese Nationals Held for Entering India Illegally

Four Chinese nationals were arrested by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on Wednesday evening for illegally entering India from Nepal through the Maitri Bridge in Raxaul, East Champaran district, Bihar. The individuals, identified as Den Wijong, Lei Yonghai, He Kuangsheng, and Huang Limin, all residents of Hunan City, China, lacked valid Indian visas at the time of entry.

During routine inspection, SSB personnel grew suspicious of the group's movements. Upon questioning, the individuals responded only in Chinese, unable to communicate in Hindi or Nepali. A search revealed they possessed Chinese passports and approximately 8,000 Yuan in currency but no valid documentation permitting entry into India. Consequently, they were arrested under various sections of the Foreigners Act and placed in judicial custody on Thursday.

Investigations revealed that the group had been staying at the Kathmandu residence of a Nepali woman, Anita Kumari, who accompanied them as a guide. Kumari, proficient in Hindi, Nepali, English, and Chinese, informed authorities that she worked as a guide in Nepal. After thorough interrogation and verification of her credentials, she was released.

Despite extensive questioning by agencies including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and SSB, the exact purpose of the Chinese nationals' visit remains unclear, primarily due to language barriers. The individuals indicated plans to return to Hetauda and Lumbini in Nepal, but further details are yet to be ascertained.

Raxaul Subdivisional Police Officer Dhirendra Kumar stated, "The four were entering India from Nepal on foot. During inspection, they could not communicate in local languages and responded only in Chinese. Their lack of valid visas led to their arrest.

The incident has prompted heightened vigilance along the Indo-Nepal border, with authorities emphasizing the need for stringent checks to prevent unauthorized entries.