Chinese national held near Indo-Nepal border in Araria without valid documents

Araria: A Chinese national attempting to enter India without valid travel documents was arrested near the Jogbani checkpost along the India–Nepal border in Araria district on Monday evening, prompting a heightened alert among security and intelligence agencies.Security agencies, including local police and central intelligence units, have launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the individual’s intent, travel history, and possible links. Officials are also verifying the authenticity of the documents recovered at the time of the arrest.Janardan Mishra, Commandant of the SSB 56 Battalion, on Tuesday said the man has been identified as Zhou Huan (41), a resident of Hunan province in China. He was intercepted during routine surveillance. “The Chinese national is being interrogated by central and state agencies to ascertain the motive behind his entry, background, and possible links. He has been handed over to Jogbani police station for further action,” Mishra said.Mukesh Sah, SDPO of Forbesganj, also confirmed the arrest. According to officials, over 40 foreign nationals were intercepted in 2025 while attempting illegal entry into India through the India–Nepal border. In separate cases, at least 16 foreign nationals were arrested by border forces during the year, while nine individuals from multiple countries were caught within a short span in the Raxaul sector.Bihar’s border districts have seen repeated enforcement actions. In East Champaran, 25 foreign nationals were detained in 2025 for illegal entry or unauthorised stay. In another operation near Raxaul, five people—including nationals from Sudan and Bolivia—were arrested, officials said.