By Anil Kumar Gupta, President, Bharat-Nepal Maitri Samaj
As the grand festival of Dashain approaches in Nepal, followed by Bhai Tika—a celebration observed with deep devotion, trust, and affection—millions of Nepali citizens working across Indian states prepare to return home. An estimated 40 to 50 lakh Nepali nationals are employed in various parts of India, and each year, they travel back to Nepal with their hard-earned savings, carrying cash and goods accumulated over months of labor.
Unfortunately, this annual homeward journey has become a period of heightened risk. Criminal gangs preying on these travelers have become increasingly active, particularly those who drug passengers with intoxicants before looting them. Additionally, unscrupulous transport operators exploit the festive rush in multiple ways—overloading vehicles beyond permitted capacity, charging exorbitant rates for luggage, and operating private vehicles as illegal taxis right in front of railway stations and police outposts.
The Problem
These illegal practices are not merely a law-and-order issue; they carry serious implications for India’s reputation. When Nepali citizens are robbed, cheated, or subjected to hazardous travel conditions while returning from India, it fuels anti-India sentiment in Nepal. Those who seek to spread such narratives find ready material in these incidents of exploitation.
Furthermore, passengers traveling in unauthorized private vehicles functioning as taxis face a critical problem: in the event of an accident, they are not covered under any insurance scheme. Unlike registered commercial vehicles, these illegal taxis offer no financial protection to passengers or their families in case of injury or death.
Locations of Concern
The problem is particularly acute at several key transit points, including:
- The area in front of the Railway Station and Railway Police Outpost
- The vicinity of the District Magistrate’s Office
- The Sonouli border route in Maharajganj district
At these locations, unauthorized vehicles openly operate as taxis, often with the knowledge of local authorities but without effective intervention.
The Appeal
In light of these concerns, I have submitted a formal application to the Inspector General of Police, Gorakhpur, and the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, requesting the following measures:
- Compile comprehensive records of all vehicles operating from the aforementioned locations, including vehicle registration numbers, driver names, and owner details.
- Maintain strict surveillance on these vehicles and their operators.
- Take appropriate legal action against vehicle owners and drivers found violating transport laws or engaging in criminal activities.
Such monitoring would serve a dual purpose: it would deter potential criminals and ensure that in the event of any looting, accident, or dispute, the responsible parties can be identified and held accountable under relevant legal provisions.
A Call for Compassion and Responsibility
The Nepali workers who contribute to India’s economy deserve safe passage home during their most important festivals. Ensuring their security is not just a matter of law enforcement—it is a matter of humanity, neighborly goodwill, and respect for the centuries-old bonds between India and Nepal.
