Indian Security Forces Seize Large Cache of Unripe Bananas Smuggled from India into Nepal

Rautahat. A large quantity of unripe bananas being smuggled into Nepal from the Indian border area connecting Rautahat and Bara has been seized by Indian security teams. Based on intelligence received from the intelligence setup of the 71st Battalion of the Indian Border Security Force (SSB), a joint security team conducted an operation near INB border pillar number 356-3 in the Pithwa village area at 9:30 PM on Monday.

According to the information received, the team from F Company Jamunia coordinated with the Jharokhar Police Post to jointly monitor the border. During this time, some individuals were seen coming from India towards Nepal carrying cartoons on their heads and via motorcycles.

When the border team signaled them to stop, the individuals fled, abandoning the cartoons they were carrying on the road.

Subsequently, during the search, cartons filled with unripe bananas were found at various locations along the route leading from India towards Nepal. Initially, 43 cartons were recovered.

During further search, a large number of cartons were found in a mango orchard in Pithwa village. Security sources also stated that many more cartons were found hidden under a tarpaulin in the Banswadi area of Pithwa village.

Attempts were made to trace the owner of the seized cartons, but no local person claimed ownership.

It has been reported that senior officials have been informed about the seized unripe bananas as they are perishable food items.

According to Assistant Commandant Bishwajit Tiwari of the SSB 71st Battalion Headquarters Piprakothi, a total of 1860 cartons of unripe bananas were seized, comprising 707 cartons from the mango orchard and 1110 cartons from the Banswadi area. Each carton is reported to weigh approximately 13.5 kg.

It has been stated that the seized materials have been handed over to the Jharokhar Police Post for necessary action.