Motihari: A Ukrainian national has been arrested near the India-Nepal border in Bihar’s East Champaran district after officials found that her Indian visa had expired in 2022.
According to the 47th Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the woman was detained during a routine patrol near the Harpur Border Outpost (BOP) on July 6. She was later handed over to the local police for further legal action under the Foreigners Act.
Detained During Routine Border Patrol
The SSB said Sub-Inspector Mayank Sidhu and his patrol team were conducting routine surveillance near border pillar number 388 at around 6.30 pm when they noticed a foreign woman sitting near the main gate of the Harpur BOP.
During questioning, the woman identified herself as Oksana Shevtsova, a Ukrainian national and an engineer by profession, according to the SSB.
Visa Found To Have Expired In 2022
Officials said the woman was initially unable to produce a valid passport or visa.
Following further questioning, she showed digital copies of her passport and visa stored on her mobile phone. The documents indicated that her Indian visa had expired in 2022. The SSB said no documents relating to a visa extension were produced during the inquiry.
“During questioning, the woman identified herself as Oksana Shevtsova, a resident of Ukraine and an engineer by profession. When asked for valid documents, it was revealed that her visa had expired in 2022. The woman has been arrested, and further action is being taken,” Sub-Inspector Mayank Sidhu said.
Digital Aadhaar Copy Under Verification
During the search, officials also found a digital copy of an Aadhaar card on the woman’s mobile phone.
Authorities said the authenticity of the document will be verified as part of the investigation. Agencies will also examine her passport records, date of entry into India, immigration check-post details, Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) records and other relevant documents.
Cash And Personal Belongings Recovered
According to the SSB, officials recovered an Oppo mobile phone, a pair of earbuds and Rs 57,330 in cash from the woman’s possession.
After completing the required legal formalities, the SSB handed her over to the police. Authorities said further investigation is underway to determine the purpose of her stay in India and whether any provisions of the Foreigners Act or other laws were violated
