453 Nepali nationals rescued from alleged networking fraud operation in UP
New Delhi, June 2
The Embassy of Nepal in India announced the rescue of 453 Nepali citizens from an alleged networking fraud operation in India's Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh, following a coordinated effort involving Indian and Nepali authorities.
In a press release issued on Sunday by the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi, the rescue operation was carried out in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh Police, relevant Indian government agencies, and the non-governmental organisation KIN India.
The operation followed reports of Nepali nationals being subjected to labour exploitation and fraudulent practices in border areas in India. Acting on the information, police conducted operations at multiple locations in the Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh.
As a result, a total of 453 Nepali citizens, including 115 women and 338 men, were rescued on May 29 and subsequently handed over to the District Police Office in Rupandehi for further processing.
The embassy stated that authorities in Rupandehi have taken 19 individuals, including six women, into custody on suspicion of involvement in the alleged fraud network. An investigation is currently underway.
Expressing appreciation for the coordinated effort, the Embassy of Nepal thanked the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the Uttar Pradesh Police, Nepal Police, KIN India, and all agencies that contributed directly or indirectly to the rescue mission.
Reaffirming its commitment to the safety and welfare of Nepali citizens residing or working in India, the embassy urged Nepali nationals to remain vigilant against fraudulent employment offers and other forms of inducement, particularly those promoted through social media or claiming to provide overseas employment opportunities.
The Embassy emphasised that the Government of Nepal and its diplomatic mission in India remain committed to protecting Nepali citizens and preventing them from falling victim to trafficking, labour exploitation, and financial fraud schemes.
Earlier, on May 29, the foundation stone for the construction of a hospital building in Manang district was laid, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu announced.
As per the release, the stone was laid for the building at Ward No. 5 of Nason Rural Municipality. "It was jointly laid today by Dr. Rakesh Pandey, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Kathmandu, and Dhan Bahadur Gurung, Chairman, Nason Rural Municipality, Manang," the release announced.
The Hospital Building is being built with the Government of India's financial assistance of about Nepali Rupees 56 million. This High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) will be implemented through the Nason Rural Municipality, Manang.
The Chairman of Nason Rural Municipality and other stakeholders appreciated the developmental support being provided by the Government of India, and expressed confidence that the new facility would help promote better access to healthcare services in Nason Rural Municipality.
As close neighbours, India and Nepal are engaged in wide-ranging and multi-sectoral cooperation. The implementation of HICDPs reflects the continued support of the Government of India in strengthening the efforts of the Government of Nepal in promoting growth and development, apart from augmenting infrastructure in priority sectors.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is a wake-up call for both governments. We need stricter checks on fake job ads on social media targeting Nepali and Indian youth. 19 people being arrested is good but I hope the masterminds are caught too. Also, while India-Nepal relations are great, we need better border area monitoring to prevent such exploitation. Respectful criticism: It's 2024 and we still have this happening?
Proud to see this rescue mission happening. The coordination between UP Police, Nepal authorities, and KIN India shows what good neighbours can achieve. Also heartening to read about India helping build a hospital in Manang district - 56 million Nepali rupees is substantial aid for healthcare in remote areas. India-Nepal partnership always stands strong. 🇮🇳🤝🇳🇵
115 women rescued out of 453 - that's 25% women. Many must have been lured with fake jobs. It's good they are back but rehabilitation will be key. The embassy should also set up a helpline in Hindi/Nepali for victims. Also interesting to see the Manang hospital project mentioned - shows India is investing in Nepal's healthcare infrastructure too. धन्यवाद दोनों देशों को!
Impressive joint operation rescuing 453 people from a networking scam. This highlights how cross-border crime needs cross-border solutions. I hope both countries strengthen legal frameworks to prevent such fraud. The hospital project in Manang is also a nice gesture from India - building infrastructure while addressing immediate crises. Good journalism covering both stories.
T Tanya I < We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.