Madhubani, Bihar – In a recent border security operation, two U.S. nationals from Woodland, California, were detained by Bihar’s Madhubani district police for allegedly attempting to cross into Nepal without proper travel documents.
The incident unfolded on Sunday near the Indo-Nepal border, where the Sashastra Seema Bal’s (SSB) 48th Battalion intercepted the duo along with two Indian nationals accused of assisting them.
Identified as 64-year-old Craig Alan Moore and 52-year-old Munni Sah, the two Americans were detained at the Betaunha border post, approximately 800 meters from the international boundary. Their local supporters, Sonu Kumar Gupta and Ram Hriday Singh, residents of Jaynagar in Madhubani, were also arrested, according to an official statement by the SSB. The operation was led by Assistant Sub-Inspector Jayendra Singh, who headed the team that intercepted the group during what appeared to be an unapproved border-crossing attempt.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the Americans had entered Kathmandu, Nepal, on October 30 after flying from New Delhi. Just a few days later, they reportedly entered India without clearance, with plans to join family members for Chhath Puja celebrations. Officials confirmed that although Moore and Sah had valid Nepalese visas, their unauthorized entry into India violated Indian immigration rules.
Following their arrest, all four individuals were transferred to the Jaynagar Police Station for further investigation, with the Intelligence Bureau and Bihar Police joining the inquiry. SSB officials underscored the security breach, stressing the importance of adhering to authorized border checkpoints and legal documentation.
Harendra Singh, Acting Commandant of the SSB’s 48th Battalion, issued a public advisory urging citizens to use authorized crossing points and avoid illegal activities at the border. “Such actions jeopardize border security and have serious legal consequences,” Singh stated, reinforcing the necessity for vigilance among border residents.
The investigation into the motives and circumstances surrounding the attempted crossing continues, as authorities assess potential legal repercussions for all individuals involved.
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