Chinese National with Forged Documents Apprehended at Indo-Nepal Border in Panitanki

Rajesh Sharma, KalimNews,  July 29, 2025 : In a development that underscores rising concerns over cross-border security, a Chinese national was apprehended on Monday afternoon while attempting to enter India through the Panitanki Trade and Transit Bridge along the Indo-Nepal border in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district. The incident has once again brought to light the strategic sensitivity of the region and the critical role of continued vigilance at international borders.

The arrest was made by the Border Interaction Team of the 41st Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), specifically its 'C' Company, during routine inspection operations at the Indo-Nepal Friendship Trade and Transit Bridge near Panitanki — a highly monitored and strategically important border crossing near Siliguri.

According to SSB officials, the individual, later identified as a Chinese national, displayed suspicious behavior during the security check, prompting a thorough examination of his documents and belongings. Upon inspection, he was found to be in possession of two separate Swiss passports issued under different names — Khamritshang Tseten Gurme and Sengeytsang Karma Jimi — along with a counterfeit Nepali citizenship identity card. These significant discrepancies led the SSB to immediately take the individual into custody.

Preliminary investigations confirmed that the man was attempting to enter Indian territory without valid Indian visa documentation or legal travel permits. The absence of proper identification, coupled with the forged documents, triggered heightened security concerns. Officials suspect the possibility of infiltration attempts using forged credentials and international documentation loopholes, particularly exploiting the open Indo-Nepal border, which has long been a route of concern for security agencies.

Following established protocol, the individual underwent a medical examination and was subjected to a joint preliminary interrogation involving multiple intelligence and security agencies. After initial questioning, he was handed over to the Kharibari Police Station in Darjeeling district late on Monday evening. The accused was then formally arrested and charged under relevant provisions of the Foreigners Act.

On Tuesday, the arrested individual was produced before the Siliguri Sub-Divisional Court. Police and intelligence officials have launched a deeper investigation to uncover the motive behind his attempted entry, verify the authenticity and origin of the forged documents, and determine any possible links to larger cross-border networks.

SSB sources revealed that this incident is not isolated. In the past month alone, at least five Chinese nationals have reportedly attempted to cross into Indian territory illegally through the Indo-Nepal corridor via various entry points, including the Raxaul border. Such recurring incidents continue to highlight the critical importance of increased surveillance and coordination among border forces to safeguard national security.

The SSB has reiterated its commitment to maintaining strict border vigilance. A senior official stated, "This apprehension sends a strong message that our borders are under constant surveillance and any suspicious movement will be dealt with firmly and lawfully."

As investigations continue, security has been further tightened along the Panitanki–Kakarvitta corridor, with special focus on document verification and real-time intelligence coordination, aiming to prevent any breach that could pose a threat to national integrity or public safety.