Bettiah: A South American national was detained by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel near the Indo-Nepal border in Babhanouli village under the Mainatand police station area of West Champaran district on Wednesday afternoon. The foreigner, identified as Oscar Augusto, was intercepted during a routine border check.
According to officials, SSB soldiers stationed at the Babhanouli outpost stopped an Apache motorcycle carrying two men for inspection. Upon questioning, one of them was found to be a foreign national. The SSB immediately detained both men and initiated an inquiry.
Sub-Inspector (GD) Rajkumar said that the foreigner, Oscar Augusto, was taken into custody for verification of his documents. “After completing the necessary formalities, he has been referred to senior officers for a detailed investigation,” Rajkumar said.
The second man, identified as Mr. Mian, a resident of Bastha village, was also detained. He was allegedly trying to help Augusto cross over into Nepal.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Oscar Augusto had arrived in Nepal from South America on a one-month visa. According to SSB sources, he was reportedly lured in Birgunj, Nepal, by an unidentified person who promised him $500 and dropped him near the Basantpur area of Mainatand police station.
While wandering in the area, Augusto approached Mian and requested help to reach Nepal, offering him Rs 100 in return. Mian agreed and attempted to take him to Nepal on his motorcycle. However, their movement was intercepted by the SSB at the Babhanouli outpost.
SSB personnel verified Augusto’s passport and other travel documents before informing higher authorities. “The matter has been reported to senior officers, who are conducting a detailed probe to determine the intent behind the foreigner’s movement near the sensitive border area,” said SI Rajkumar.
Authorities are yet to confirm whether the incident has any links to cross-border activities.
