Joint Security Forces Nab UAE National in Border Sting Operation
In a significant development at the India-Nepal border, security forces apprehended a United Arab Emirates national while he was attempting to cross into Nepal illegally through the Mahdewa border point near Raxaul on Saturday evening. The coordinated operation between the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Nepalese Armed Forces (NAF) led to the capture of the foreign national along with an Indian broker who was facilitating the illegal crossing.
Details of the Border Violation
The arrested individual has been identified as Salem Abdullah Khalfan Alshamshi, 34, a resident of Abu Dhabi, UAE. According to official records, he was carrying UAE passport number AA 0498168 and had entered India on March 8, 2025, with a valid tourist visa that remained active until August 29, 2025.
Ranjit Mishra, company commander of the 47 SSB battalion at Raxaul, provided crucial insights into the operation. "The SSB and NAF patrol teams deployed at the border in a joint action have arrested this foreigner along with an Indian broker who were attempting to enter Nepal illegally," Mishra confirmed to reporters.
Investigation Reveals Travel Pattern and Motives
During preliminary questioning, Alshamshi revealed that he had traveled to Raxaul from Mumbai via Gorakhpur with an associate. The UAE national stated that he had been frequently visiting India for tourism and exploring potential business opportunities. He mentioned staying at a hotel in Raxaul with a man who works at his café in Abu Dhabi.
"One person met me at Raxaul and promised to take me to Nepal and complete all border formalities," Alshamshi told investigators during interrogation. He also provided details about his family, identifying his father as Abdullah Khalfan Alshamshi and mother as Afra.
However, security agencies intercepted the group before they could successfully cross the border, preventing what could have been another illegal border crossing incident.
Legal Proceedings and Rising Border Concerns
Following their arrest, both the UAE national and his Indian accomplice were initially handed over to the immigration officer at Raxaul. On Sunday, Alshamshi was transported to Patna for more comprehensive questioning and legal proceedings.
Abhishek Kumar, SHO of Raxaul police station, confirmed that a case has been registered against Alshamshi under The Foreigners Act, 1946. The accused now face serious legal consequences for their attempted illegal border crossing.
Immigration sources revealed a concerning pattern of similar incidents, noting that in the past four months alone, 11 foreigners from various countries including China, the UK, and the USA have been arrested at the Raxaul border for attempting to cross illegally into either India or Nepal.
The successful joint operation highlights the continued vigilance of border security forces and their commitment to maintaining the integrity of international borders while preventing unauthorized movements that could potentially threaten national security.
