Authorities in Bihar’s Madhubani district detained two U.S. nationals on Sunday for allegedly attempting to cross the Indo-Nepal border without valid travel documents. The couple, identified as Craig Alan Moore (64) and Munni Sah (52) from Woodland, California, were intercepted by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) near the Betaunha check post, approximately 800 meters from the border.

According to Madhubani Police, two locals, Sonu Kumar Gupta and Ram Hriday Singh, both residents of Jaynagar, were also arrested for providing the American nationals with logistical support during their stay. Officials report that the arrests were made by an SSB team led by ASI (GD) Jayendra Singh, who stopped the group as they were attempting to cross into Nepal from India.

Interrogations conducted by a joint team comprising the SSB, Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Bihar Police revealed that the U.S. nationals had initially arrived in Kathmandu from New Delhi on October 30. Four days later, they reportedly entered India illegally with the assistance of Sonu Kumar Gupta, with the intention of meeting relatives and observing the Chhath Puja festival. Although they possessed valid visas for Nepal, their unauthorised entry into India violated Indian immigration laws.

The four individuals were subsequently handed over to the Jaynagar Police Station for further questioning. In a statement, Harendra Singh, Acting Commandant of the SSB’s 48th Battalion, advised citizens residing near the border to use only authorised routes for cross-border travel and avoid engaging in unlawful activities.

The SSB’s efforts underscore the heightened vigilance along the Indo-Nepal border to prevent unauthorised crossings and ensure compliance with immigration protocols.