Police intercepted a motorcycle at the India-Nepal border in Araria and recovered 14.5 lakh rupees involved in hawala transactions. The money was hidden in various parts of the bike. The arrested youth is suspected of being connected to an organized hawala syndicate.
Araria: Police are continuously taking action against hawala operators in the India-Nepal border region. Recently, Nepal Police arrested a youth with 14.5 lakh rupees at the Materuwa post in Jogbani. The youth had hidden the money in various parts of his motorcycle. This arrest has exposed the activities of active hawala smugglers in the area.
Youth Arrested in Nepal on Hawala Charges
According to Nepal Police spokesperson DSP Kopila Chudali, Birendra Sah, a resident of Ward No. 18, Biratnagar, Nepal, was arrested while entering Nepal. He was traveling from Jogbani to Materuwa in Nepal on motorcycle number Ko.38Pa.5851. During the inspection, a total of 14.5 lakh rupees were recovered from the bike's toolbox and other parts.
DSP Chudali stated that the recovered amount and the arrested youth have been sent to Rani Police Station for further action. Police believe the youth is connected to an organized hawala syndicate.
Hawala Smuggling Incidents at Jogbani Border
Reports of such hawala smuggling incidents are constantly emerging from the Jogbani border. Recently, Rani Police arrested an Indian national who was transporting 10 lakh rupees hidden under a motorcycle seat. Additionally, a few days prior, a youth was apprehended with 5 lakh Nepali rupees and handed over to the Bhansar (Customs) Office after necessary proceedings.
Police officials state that this smuggling is operating on a large scale in the Nepal-India border region. The networks of these gangs extend to various states in India and remote areas of Nepal.
Use of Minors in Hawala Trade
In June 2025, Nepal Police arrested a minor who was transporting 21 lakh rupees in hawala from Biratnagar. This case exposed a large hawala racket network. The use of minors for money smuggling demonstrates that these gangs are active, challenging law enforcement and police actions.
In March 2025, personnel from the SSB 56th Battalion also arrested a youth with 4.28 lakh Nepali rupees near the Jogbani BOP (Border Outpost). Despite such continuous actions, the hawala business continues to thrive.
Border Security and Action Against Hawala Smuggling
Security agencies have stated that continuous surveillance and action will be maintained against active hawala smuggling on the India-Nepal border. A local businessman from Jogbani is considered the mastermind of this network. Police say that swift and stringent action will be taken against the gang to curb such illegal activities in the border area.
