In the wake of widespread unrest and mass prison breaks in Nepal, India's Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has been on high alert along the Indo-Nepal border. As of September 12, 2025, the SSB has apprehended a total of 67 inmates, including one woman, attempting to cross into India from Nepal. Reports indicate the numbers may rise as strict vigilance is continued at all border entry points.

The apprehensions occurred at various checkpoints along the India-Nepal border, which connects the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. The SSB personnel caught the prisoners when they failed to produce valid identification. According to officials, the detainees have been handed over to local police for further investigation and legal action.

The increased vigilance by the SSB follows reports of mass prison breaks in Nepal, where thousands of prisoners escaped during recent unrest. Violent protests in several Nepali towns led to incidents of arson, vandalism, and attacks on correctional facilities, creating an environment where prisoners could escape. In response, the SSB has stepped up surveillance, conducting stringent identity checks and monitoring vulnerable areas along the open border between the two countries. Additional personnel have also been deployed to prevent fugitives from entering Indian territory.

The India-Nepal border spans approximately 1,751 kilometers and allows visa-free movement for citizens of both countries. This open border system, while facilitating trade and cultural exchange, also presents challenges in monitoring and preventing illegal crossings. The SSB's efforts are focused on ensuring that escaped inmates do not misuse this system to evade law enforcement.

Among those apprehended, five Nepalese prisoners were caught in East Champaran district in Bihar. These individuals were identified as Vishwanath Yadav, Ravi Yadav, Rahul Rai Yadav, Suraj Kumar Rai, and Ram Vinod Prasad, who were serving sentences for various crimes, including assault, robbery, theft, drug-related offenses, and disputes. They had escaped from a jail in Gaur, Rautahat district, after a mob broke the jail gate.

Another incident involved the apprehension of five prisoners along the India-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh's Siddharthnagar district. These prisoners were caught while attempting to infiltrate into Indian territory and were later handed over to the local police. Preliminary investigations revealed that these prisoners had escaped from Dillibazar jail in Kathmandu, taking advantage of the chaos arising from the violence in Nepal after the government imposed a ban on social media.

The woman inmate, Anjila Khatoon, was arrested in the West Bengal area and is the first woman inmate nabbed by the SSB personnel.

The SSB's heightened vigilance and increased patrolling efforts reflect the concerns of Indian security agencies regarding the potential for escaped prisoners to seek refuge in India. The situation in Nepal remains tense, and Indian authorities are maintaining a high alert to address any potential security risks.