According to the news reports, the doctors, both audiologists specializing in treating the hearing impaired, had visited Nepalganj, Nepal, after being invited to participate in an Otology (ear-related) medical camp organised by a private hospital. While the Indian-origin doctor holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, officials clarified that the Rupaidiha-Nepalganj border crossing permits only Indian and Nepalese citizens, not third-country nationals.
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The Indian-origin doctor, aged 61, hails from Karnataka, while the other doctor is 35 years old. Both hold British passports and were detained under Section 14A of the Foreigners Act after a case was lodged at Rupaidiha police station in Bahraich.
Speaking to the Indian Express, a senior official said the Indian-origin doctor was held despite having an OCI card since travel across the Rupaidiha-Nepalganj border is permitted only for Indian and Nepalese nationals — and not for a person from a third country — as per the India-Nepal agreement.
Deputy SP Pradyumna Singh, the circle officer of Nanpara area of Bahraich, said that the SSB personnel, during their usual vehicle check at Rupaidiha border post, spotted the two British nationals walking into Indian territory around 10 am on November 15. Their documents revealed British passports and visas for Nepal only. The Indian origin doctor had an OCI card.
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The SSB team, after discovering that one of the doctors was of Pakistani origin, alerted intelligence officials. The duo was questioned extensively about their activities in Nepalganj and the reason for entering Indian territory. After verification, they were handed over to the Bahraich police.
The duo told officials that they had no ill intentions and only wished to explore the area and the bustling market near the border.
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