Maharajganj (Uttar Pradesh): A 36-year-old man claiming to be a United States citizen was arrested by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) after he was allegedly found attempting to cross into Nepal without valid travel documents through the India–Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district.
The man, identified as Jordan Brown, claimed to be a resident of California, USA. He was intercepted by personnel of the 22nd Battalion of the SSB during a routine patrol near border pillar number 516 in the Mainihwa area under the jurisdiction of Sonauli Police Station on Saturday.
According to officials, Brown allegedly tried to flee after SSB personnel signalled him to stop. He was quickly apprehended, and a subsequent search revealed that he was not carrying a passport, visa or any other valid travel or identity documents required for international travel.
During interrogation, Brown told investigators that he had travelled to Thailand on a tourist visa, where he claimed to have lost his passport. He also stated that he had previously served in the United States Navy. According to Additional Superintendent of Police Siddharth of Maharajganj, Brown further claimed that he travelled by sea from Thailand to Sri Lanka before entering India through a maritime route on November 2, 2025.
Police said Brown had allegedly been staying in Goa for nearly seven months without valid travel documents. During this period, he reportedly travelled from Goa to Bengaluru before reaching the Sonauli border with the intention of entering Nepal.
A search of his belongings led to the recovery of ₹31,460 in cash and two mobile phones. However, officials said he failed to produce any passport, visa or document establishing his identity or legal entry into India.
Following preliminary questioning by the SSB and other security agencies, Brown was handed over to the Uttar Pradesh Police for further legal action. SSB Assistant Commandant Priya Yadav said the accused was transferred to Sonauli Police Station, where a case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act.
Police said Brown’s claims regarding his nationality, travel history and previous military service are currently being verified. Investigators are also examining the circumstances surrounding his entry into India, his movements within the country and the purpose behind his attempt to cross into Nepal.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials said further action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.
