The Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Rajasthan Police has taken two foreign nationals into custody in a sensitive border area of the state. The individuals, a man from Slovakia and a woman from Spain, were detained late on Monday evening from Rawla Mandi in the Sriganganagar district.
Detention at a Religious Gathering
The police action unfolded at a 'nagar kirtan,' a Sikh religious procession, in Rawla Mandi. This location is notably close to the Indo-Pak international border, an area designated as sensitive. Authorities received specific intelligence about the presence of the two foreigners at the event, which was being held to mark Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti. Acting on this tip-off, CID officials picked them up from the gathering.
Questioning Over Border Zone Violation
The detained foreigners were taken to the Rawla police station for detailed questioning. Superintendent of Police Amrita Duhan stated that the primary focus of the interrogation is to ascertain why the duo ventured into the restricted border zone without the necessary permissions. Rawla Mandi falls within a region where entry is strictly prohibited for foreign nationals without prior clearance from the relevant authorities due to security considerations.
Initial investigations by the police suggest that the Slovakian and Spanish nationals were staying at the residence of a local friend in Rawla. During preliminary questioning, both individuals expressed a keen interest in Sikhism and claimed that this interest led them to attend the religious event.
Security Implications and Ongoing Probe
This incident highlights the stringent security protocols in force along India's international borders. The police are thoroughly verifying the credentials, travel history, and intentions of the detained foreigners. The case underscores the critical importance of adhering to legal procedures, especially in sensitive zones, regardless of the purpose of the visit. The CID's investigation is ongoing to rule out any potential security threats and to determine if there was any breach of visa conditions or other laws.
