In a major breakthrough highlighting heightened border vigilance, the Border Interaction Team of ‘C’ Coy, 41st Battalion, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), stationed at Panitanki, apprehended a Chinese national on 28th July 2025 around 3:50 PM at the New Bridge of the Indo-Nepal Trade and Transit Route—one of the most sensitive checkpoints on the Indo-Nepal border in Darjeeling district.
The individual was intercepted during routine border inspection duties by SSB personnel. Officers grew suspicious after noticing discrepancies in the man's identification documents. A thorough verification revealed that the suspect was carrying:
Two Swiss passports issued under different names:
- Khamritshang Tseten Gurme
- Sengeytsang Karma Jimi
and forged Nepali Citizenship Card.
These findings immediately raised red flags regarding the suspect’s identity and purpose of visit. Given the nature of the case, SSB officials escalated the matter, initiating a joint interrogation involving multiple security and intelligence agencies to probe deeper into the suspect’s background and any potential links to espionage, illegal infiltration, or transnational crime.
Authorities have confirmed that following routine medical examinations and documentation procedures, the suspect will be handed over to Kharibari Police Station. Legal proceedings will be initiated under relevant Indian laws governing foreign nationals, border security, and document forgery.
This incident reinforces the strategic importance of Panitanki as a key gateway between India and Nepal and showcases the proactive surveillance and coordination efforts of the SSB to safeguard national borders.
“The apprehension is a reminder that our borders are constantly monitored, and any suspicious activity will be dealt with firmly and swiftly,” an SSB official said.
Further updates are awaited as the investigation progresses.
