The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) apprehended a man who identified himself as an American national while attempting to cross into Nepal without valid travel documents at the Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh's Maharajganj district, officials confirmed on Sunday.
Interception during routine patrol
On Saturday, SSB personnel from the 22nd Battalion were conducting a routine patrol near border pillar number 516 in the Mainihwa area under Sonauli police station limits when they intercepted the individual. The man, who gave his name as Jordan Brown and claimed to be 36 years old and a resident of California, United States, was reportedly traveling from Bengaluru to the Sonauli border with the intention of entering Nepal.
According to SSB officials, when the patrol team stopped Brown for identity verification, he allegedly attempted to flee the scene. However, the SSB personnel chased him down and placed him under arrest.
No valid travel documents found
A subsequent search of Brown yielded Indian currency amounting to Rs 31,460 and two mobile phones. Critically, he failed to produce a passport, visa, or any other form of valid travel documentation. SSB Assistant Commandant Priya Yadav stated that Brown was unable to provide any identification papers that would legally permit him to cross the international border.
“During interrogation, he could not show any passport, visa, or valid travel documents. He was handed over to the Sonauli police for further legal proceedings,” Yadav said.
Handed over to local police
The SSB, in coordination with other security agencies, conducted an initial questioning of the suspect before transferring him to the Sonauli police station for further investigation and legal action. Authorities are now probing the circumstances of his travel from Bengaluru to the border and his claimed U.S. citizenship.
The incident highlights ongoing security vigilance along the Indo-Nepal border, where SSB units maintain regular patrols to prevent illegal crossings and smuggling activities.
