The Bihar Special Task Force (STF) has arrested 146 individuals involved in various illegal activities along the Indo-Nepal border between January and April 22 this year, STF Deputy Inspector General of Police Neeraj Kumar Singh announced on Monday.
Addressing a press conference at the Police Headquarters at Sardar Patel Bhawan, Singh said the Bihar Police has formed a special joint force with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and local police to tighten security and increase surveillance along the porous international border.
Four such joint units have been established so far, each comprising 40 personnel drawn from the STF, SSB, and local police stations. These teams are deployed in highly sensitive stretches spanning 13 sub-divisions and 69 police stations along the Indo-Nepal border, maintaining round-the-clock vigil to prevent cross-border crimes, the DIG said.
During this period, 128 cases have been registered for smuggling of narcotic substances, fake Indian currency notes, and other illegal activities. Raids and searches led to the seizure of 95 kg of doda, 590 kg of ganja, Rs 2 lakh in cash, cough syrup, opium, and several other banned substances. The STF DIG identified districts such as Sitamarhi, Bettiah, Madhubani, Bagaha, Supaul, Araria, and adjoining areas as particularly vulnerable to trans-border crimes due to their proximity to Nepal and the open nature of the border.
Singh further stated that encroachments within a 15-km stretch of the international border have been removed as part of intensified enforcement efforts. Comprehensive verification of commercial establishments operating in border areas is being conducted. Additionally, authorized money exchange centers have been set up by the government to curb illegal currency transactions.
Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, Singh noted that the Indo-Nepal border is frequently used for smuggling fake currency notes, skins and body parts of endangered animals, cattle, urea, ganja, opium, doda, narcotic chemicals, and other prohibited items. The special task force, along with central and state agencies, is maintaining constant surveillance to dismantle smuggling networks.
Meanwhile, STF DIG Sanjay Kumar said STF teams have also been deployed to West Bengal to assist local authorities in ensuring peaceful conduct of elections. He added that the STF has played a key role in arresting Bihar-based criminals involved in offenses committed in other states.
