Indian SSB fires shots at Nepal-India border

Birgunj, October 15 — Gunfire was reported on Tuesday at the Nepal-India border in the Birgunj-Raxaul area. According to sources, the shots were fired by personnel from the Indian Border Security Force—Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

An official from the Nepal Police team dispatched to investigate the incident stated that during questioning, the SSB admitted to firing shots.

The official noted that the SSB claimed they fired in "self-defense" during a dispute with a group in the border area.

Investigating officers reported, "The Indian SSB has acknowledged that they fired shots in the air at the border, stating they did so to defend themselves after a dispute."

However, eyewitnesses near the Miteri Pul (Friendship Bridge) claim that the SSB fired directly on Nepali territory. One eyewitness stated that the SSB entered Nepali land and fired from the area around the Miteri Pul at the Birgunj-Raxaul border.

It has been reported that an SSB soldier fired shots while pursuing a group from the Ahirawa locality, which falls on Indian territory.

The police in Parsa confirmed that there were no human casualties from the shooting incident on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the police, a spent bullet casing has been recovered from near the Nepal-India border. Parsa police spokesperson Deepak Bharati indicated that the casing belonged to an INSAS rifle.

While a bullet casing has been recovered near the Miteri Pul, the police have not yet confirmed who fired the shots or why. Parsa Police Chief Kumodh Dhungel stated that the police are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.

He added that a special team has been deployed, which is currently carrying out detailed investigations.