International
08 Jun, 2026
2 Indians arrested in Nepal for smuggling bananas worth Rs 2.78 mn
Business To Business, Kathmandu, 8th June, 2026: Two Indian nationals, Kalim Khan (20) and Rijwan Ansari (22), both residents of Uttar Pradesh, were arrested in Nepal on allegations of smuggling bananas into the country without paying customs duties.
The arrests took place in Lumbini Province, according to Nepal Police.
Authorities allege that the bananas were brought into Nepal through unauthorized channels, bypassing customs procedures.
Seizure Details
- During a police operation in Bardiya District, officers recovered 3,790 dozen unripe bananas, equivalent to nearly 45,000 bananas.
- The seized consignment was valued at approximately Nepalese Rs 2.78 million.
- Police also confiscated:
- Two pickup vans.
- One motorbike.
- The vehicles were allegedly used to transport the smuggled goods.
Current Status
- The two suspects have been taken into custody.
- The bananas and vehicles have been seized as evidence.
- Further investigation is expected to determine the extent of the alleged smuggling operation and whether others were involved.
Key Takeaway
Nepalese authorities have arrested two Indian citizens and seized nearly 45,000 bananas, along with transport vehicles, in a case involving alleged customs-duty evasion and cross-border smuggling into Nepal.