Bahraich: In a major operation along the India-Nepal border, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) apprehended five persons, including a wanted accused linked to the banned outfit Waris Punjab De and an American citizen attempting to enter India through an unauthorized route.

The operation was carried out on 22 July 2026 by the 42nd Battalion, SSB Bahraich, under the supervision and leadership of Officiating Commandant and Deputy Commandant Dilip Kumar, following specific intelligence inputs. The action took place in the area of responsibility of Border Out Post (BOP) Rupaidiha.

According to the SSB, Manbir Singh Dhillon, an American citizen originally from Punjab's Moga district, was intercepted while allegedly attempting to enter India from Nepal without a valid Indian visa through an illegal route. Investigators said he was assisted by Indian facilitators in the cross-border movement.

His wife, Rylene Alexander Dhillon, and their eight-month-old daughter, Morari Kaur Dhillon, were found carrying valid passports and Indian visas. They were therefore directed to enter India legally through the Integrated Check Post (ICP), Rupaidiha, in accordance with prescribed immigration procedures.

During the investigation, authorities identified Bikramjit Singh as the alleged main facilitator. Officials said he had been living under a forged identity and is wanted in multiple serious criminal cases registered in Punjab. According to the SSB, he is also alleged to have links with Amritpal Singh and is suspected of being involved in the February 2023 mob attack on the Ajnala Police Station in Punjab.

The probe further revealed the alleged involvement of other accused in facilitating the illegal border crossing. Those apprehended include local facilitators who allegedly arranged transportation and logistical support for the illegal entry.

A joint interrogation is being conducted by the SSB, Local Police, Intelligence Bureau (IB), Special Operations Group (SOG), and the Immigration Department. Officials said further legal proceedings are underway, and the investigation is focused on uncovering the wider network behind the cross-border operation.

The SSB said the operation highlights the force's continued efforts to strengthen vigilance along the India-Nepal border and prevent illegal infiltration and other cross-border crimes.