As Nepal Unrest Triggers Jailbreaks, 22 Prisoners Nabbed At Border By India's SSB

Last Updated:September 11, 2025, 03:09 IST

SSB has been on high alert since violence began in Nepal. Patrolling has been increased, deployment strengthened, and the border sealed

According to local media reports, hundreds of prisoners escaped from jails in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lalitpur. (Representational image/Reuters)

Twenty-two Nepali prisoners who allegedly escaped, taking advantage of the country’s unrest and power vacuum, have been apprehended by India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). An official confirmed to CNN-News18 that the prisoners were caught at the Indo-Nepal border near Siddharthnagar in Uttar Pradesh. “They failed to show their documents when SSB personnel stopped and questioned them," an official from the force said.

SSB has been on high alert since violence began in Nepal. Patrolling has been increased, deployment strengthened, and the border sealed.

According to local media reports, hundreds of prisoners escaped from jails in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lalitpur. In the Mahotari district, vandals set Jaleshwar prison on fire. Reports suggest all but one of the 576 prisoners escaped, taking jail properties with them.

Similarly, in Pokhara jail, 900 prisoners were given free passage as protesters forced police to retreat. In Kathmandu’s Nakhu jail, former home minister Ravi Lachimane’s supporters allegedly broke through the prison gates to free him, and the remaining prisoners also took the opportunity to flee.

According to SSB officials, many of these prisoners tried to flee to India. “Specific intelligence was available about these escaped prisoners. Multiple agencies are questioning them after detention," a source said.

SSB has been carrying out flag marches in Raxaul, Supaul, Maharajganj, and Sitamarhi districts. DIG rank officials are also monitoring the border with Nepal. The cyber wing of SSB is also monitoring social media posts that could spread rumours or foment trouble.

Officials stated that after the Nepalese army took over, the situation was stable, but forces remained vigilant on the Indian side.

Arunima

Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero ...Read More

Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero ...

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News world As Nepal Unrest Triggers Jailbreaks, 22 Prisoners Nabbed At Border By India's SSB

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