Local residents and officials have raised concerns that Krishnanagar’s security is becoming increasingly compromised
On October 16, around 2 p.m., security personnel at India’s Badhani border checkpoint detained a woman carrying 910 grams of hashish. Identified as Mina from Siddharthanagar, India, the woman claimed to be a porter, admitting during interrogation that she had transported hashish from Nepal into India multiple times via the Krishnanagar checkpoint.
The incident is one of several recent security lapses at the Krishnanagar border, a critical point between Nepal and India, underscoring an uptick in cross-border smuggling and illicit activities. Just a month earlier, on September 21, Nepal Police intercepted two Indian nationals, Pritam Kumar and Suraj Dwivedi from Uttar Pradesh, in Chandrauta. They were traveling on motorcycles with a pistol and ammunition and had entered Nepal via Krishnanagar. Their weapons were discovered only after a quarrel with locals prompted a search, revealing gaps in the security measures at the border.
Local residents and officials have raised concerns that Krishnanagar’s security is becoming increasingly compromised. Once notorious for trafficking and crime, the area had seen improvements but is now witnessing a resurgence of illegal activities. “The recent security lapses tarnish the image of the border point. Questions are arising about security challenges, as the security agencies are manipulated by some political parties and their leaders,” said Manoj Ojha, a central member of the Janamat Party.
Growing Challenges For Security Forces
Despite security checkpoints established along a 10-km stretch from Bahadurgunj to Krishnanagar, managed by Nepal Police and customs officials, officials claim they are struggling without modern monitoring equipment. “We don’t have modern tools and equipment at our security check posts. So we have to conduct checks manually, which can lead to occasional oversights,” explained Suraj Khatri, inspector at the Area Police Office in Krishnanagar.
These manual methods have led to increased oversight issues. On October 21, Nepal Police seized INR 2.05 million in unaccounted currency from individuals associated with Aditi Sunil Tatkare, an Indian lawmaker from Maharashtra. The main suspect, however, reportedly evaded detention. According to sources, Tatkare, from India’s Nationalist Congress Party, was taken to New Delhi by a chartered helicopter arranged by her father the same evening.
Efforts To Improve Surveillance
Krishnanagar’s strategic location, providing access to towns linked with India’s national railway network, makes it a significant point for cross-border movement in Nepal’s mid-western region. Acknowledging recent shortcomings, Superintendent of Police Niranjan Dutta Bhatta, who leads the Kapilvastu District Police Office, stated, “We are investigating the issue and are committed to ensuring effective security surveillance in Krishnanagar border point.”
As investigations continue, local officials hope to address these security challenges and bring a more robust and reliable system to the border to mitigate further instances of smuggling and to restore confidence among residents and authorities alike.
