PATNA: Bihar has been placed on high alert after intelligence inputs suggested that three Pakistani terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) infiltrated the state through the porous India-Nepal border. Police have released their photographs and passport details, announcing a ₹50,000 reward for information leading to their arrest.
Suspects & Route
The three suspects—Hasnain Ali (Rawalpindi), Adil Hussain (Umerkot) and Mohammad Usman (Bahawalpur)—are believed to have arrived in Kathmandu in mid-August before slipping into Bihar last week, possibly via Araria. Security agencies have intensified surveillance, vehicle checks, and intelligence gathering across all seven border districts: Sitamarhi, Madhubani, West Champaran, Araria, Kishanganj, and Supaul.
Police Response
While Additional DGP (Headquarters) Kundan Krishnan described the case as “a very top-secret issue linked to national security” and declined further comment, district police confirmed heightened measures.
East Champaran SP Swarn Prabhat said in a video message:
“Based on central intelligence inputs, police are on high alert. Vehicle checking is underway in border areas and all police stations have been alerted. Citizens can share information through Dial-112 or directly with us. Informers’ identities will be protected.”
He confirmed the ₹50,000 reward per suspect for actionable leads.
Political Overlap: Gandhi Yatra Impacted
The alert comes as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi continues his Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, raising concerns for his security. Gandhi, who had been travelling in an open jeep, switched to a closed vehicle on Thursday, moving swiftly through towns without scheduled halts. His Sitamarhi roadshow was cancelled, and supporters in several areas saw only fleeting glimpses of him from inside a van.
Border Security Concerns
Bihar shares a 729 km border with Nepal, the longest among Indian states along the 1,751 km frontier. Despite deployment of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the open border remains vulnerable to infiltration.
The intelligence alert has not only sharpened focus on national security but also cast a shadow over Gandhi’s political campaign, unfolding just kilometres from the frontier.
