Five individuals were arrested at the India Nepal Rupaideha border in Bahraich district after attempting to cross into Nepal in a vehicle fitted with a red blue beacon and hooter. The Sashastra Seema Bal stopped the Uttar Pradesh registered Innova Crysta at about 7.30pm during routine checks, according to ThePrint.
Circle Officer Pahup Kumar Singh said one of the men identified himself as Dharmendra and claimed to be an IAS officer posted at the Lucknow Secretariat. Officers from the SSB Rupaideha police and other security agencies then undertook a detailed verification process.
The inquiry confirmed that none of the occupants was an IAS officer and that the use of the beacon was unlawful. The vehicle was registered in Lucknow to Priya Agencies a firm owned by Dharmendra’s wife.
The five arrested men were named as Dharmendra Singh Shubham Bajpai Anmol Singh Sachin Singh and Swapnal Sahay all from Lucknow. During questioning they admitted that they were attempting to enter Nepal to visit casinos.
Police recovered RS 2.17 lakh in cash six mobile phones an electronic chip device and a power bank from the group. All five men were detained and a case was registered under Section 319 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Investigators said further inquiries are under way including the purpose of the electronic device found in the vehicle. Authorities emphasised that impersonation of government officials and misuse of restricted equipment will continue to be treated as a serious offence at border checkpoints.
Use of red blue beacons is restricted to authorised government officials under Indian law
