British Doctors Arrested in India for Unauthorized Border Crossing

Published: 18 November 2025 Tuesday . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Two British doctors were arrested in northern India after allegedly crossing into the country from Nepal without valid visas, authorities confirmed over the weekend. The incident occurred amid heightened security along the Rupaidiha border in Uttar Pradesh, following a deadly car explosion in Delhi earlier this month that claimed 13 lives.

The arrested individuals, identified as Dr Hassan Amman Saleem, 35, a British citizen of Pakistani origin residing in Manchester, and Dr Sumitra Shakeel Olivia, 61, originally from Udupi in southern India and currently based in Gloucester, were reportedly working on a medical mission in Nepal. The pair walked across the frontier into India and were intercepted shortly thereafter by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) along with local police.

Ganga Singh Udawat, commandant of the SSB 42nd Battalion, stated that while the border is open to Indian and Nepalese citizens, all foreign nationals are required to carry valid visas for both countries. “During scrutiny of their documents, it was found that both were British nationals and did not possess valid Indian visas. They failed to provide a satisfactory reason for their entry into India,” he told the PTI news agency.

Following their detention, the two doctors were handed over to the Rupaidiha police for further legal action. Officials are investigating the circumstances of their border crossing, with authorities reportedly treating the matter seriously due to heightened security concerns in the wake of the Delhi attack.

Security experts noted that the arrest underscores India’s strict border control measures, particularly in regions bordering Nepal, where monitoring has intensified in recent weeks. The Rupaidiha border, a major crossing point for trade and tourism between India and Nepal, has seen increased patrolling and scrutiny of travelers after the car bombing incident in Delhi raised fears of potential cross-border threats.

Both doctors are understood to have been traveling out of professional curiosity rather than with any ill intent. Sources close to the detained individuals indicated that they were visiting India briefly while engaged in humanitarian work in neighboring Nepal. Nevertheless, Indian authorities are bound by legal procedures regarding unauthorized entry, particularly for foreign nationals during periods of elevated security alerts.

Dr Saleem and Dr Olivia have cooperated with local authorities during initial questioning, according to reports. It remains unclear whether they will face formal charges or be deported to the United Kingdom after verification of their identities and purposes of travel. The case has drawn attention in both British and Indian media, highlighting the complexities of visa regulations and border security enforcement in South Asia.

Legal experts have emphasized that even in cases of humanitarian or medical missions, foreign nationals are required to obtain valid visas prior to entering India. “Border rules exist to ensure security and proper documentation. Unauthorized entry, even if unintentional, can carry serious consequences,” said a senior immigration lawyer in Delhi.

The Rupaidiha incident follows a pattern of increased vigilance across India’s northern borders, with authorities taking stringent measures to prevent any security breaches in the aftermath of the deadly Delhi car explosion. Police and border security agencies have intensified checks, particularly focusing on foreign nationals traveling from neighboring countries.

While both doctors are currently in custody, diplomatic channels between the UK and India are expected to be engaged to resolve the matter. Officials in London have acknowledged awareness of the incident and are reportedly monitoring developments closely. The British government has advised all citizens traveling abroad to strictly comply with local visa and entry regulations.

As investigations continue, local residents in Rupaidiha expressed support for the authorities’ swift action, emphasizing the need to maintain stringent security measures along sensitive border areas. At the same time, medical colleagues of the detained doctors in Nepal have expressed hope that the matter will be resolved quickly without unnecessary legal complications.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to international travel requirements and visa protocols, especially in regions with complex security dynamics. It also highlights the delicate balance authorities must maintain between ensuring safety and facilitating legitimate cross-border travel for professionals engaged in humanitarian work.

Authorities have not yet released a timeline for the resolution of the case, but all parties involved have pledged to cooperate fully. Both Dr Saleem and Dr Olivia face an uncertain period in custody while the legal and administrative procedures take their course, and their families are awaiting updates from the Indian authorities.