SSB nabs 2 Sikkim men at India-Nepal border with ₹9.74 lakh undeclared cash
Synopsis
Two East Sikkim men were caught at New Mechi Bridge, Panitanki with ₹9.74 lakh in cash hidden inside their SUV — well above the ₹25,000 legal limit for cross-border carry. The seizure spotlights a documented pattern of cash concealment at the India-Nepal border, with customs officials pointing to Kathmandu's casinos as a key destination for undeclared funds.
Key Takeaways
SSB's Border Intelligence Team intercepted a Mahindra XUV300 at New Mechi Bridge, Panitanki on 15 July at approximately 4:25 pm . ₹9.74 lakh in ₹500-denomination notes was found hidden under the driver's seat and in concealed vehicle cavities.
The two occupants — Jiwan Biswakarma (49) and Rahul Nepal (25) , both from East Sikkim — failed to produce documents justifying lawful export of the currency.
Indian nationals are legally permitted to carry a maximum of ₹25,000 in cash into Nepal.
All currency was verified as genuine; both men and the vehicle were handed to the Customs Office, Panitanki for further action under the Customs Act, 1962 .
Customs officials flagged a recurring pattern of cash concealment at the border, often linked to casino visits in Kathmandu .
Two residents of East Sikkim were intercepted by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)'s Border Intelligence Team (BIT) at the India-Nepal border on Wednesday, 15 July, while allegedly attempting to carry ₹9.74 lakh in undeclared Indian currency into Nepal. The cash, hidden in concealed cavities of their vehicle, had not been declared at the customs checkpost as required by law.
How the Interception Unfolded
At approximately 4:25 pm, SSB personnel conducting routine checks at New Mechi Bridge, Panitanki in north Bengal stopped a Mahindra XUV300 (registration SK01PB9465) heading toward Nepal. A thorough search of the vehicle recovered ₹500-denomination currency notes — some stashed under the driver's seat, others concealed in hidden compartments within the SUV.
The two occupants, Jiwan Biswakarma (49) of Upper Sicheygaon, East Sikkim, and Rahul Nepal (25) of Tintek, East Sikkim, separately claimed ownership of portions of the cash. Biswakarma stated he was carrying ₹5,24,000 to fund his mother-in-law's medical treatment in Nepal, while Nepal claimed ₹4,50,000 for personal travel expenses.
Documents Missing, Explanations Rejected
When asked to produce documentary proof establishing lawful possession and authorisation to export the currency — as mandated under the Customs Act, 1962 and the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency) Regulations, 2015 — neither person could furnish satisfactory evidence. A senior SSB official confirmed that their explanations were deemed unsatisfactory.
During preliminary questioning, both men said they were engaged in the buying and selling of used four-wheelers and worked at True Value, Gangtok. They stated that the vehicle belonged to a customer named Sonam Doma Bhutia.
Currency Verified, Case Handed to Customs
The seized ₹9.74 lakh was verified using a counterfeit currency detection machine at the SSB's company headquarters in Panitanki — all notes were confirmed genuine. The cash, the vehicle, and both individuals were subsequently handed over to the Customs Office, Panitanki for further investigation under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
The Broader Pattern at the Nepal Border
Under existing regulations, Indian nationals are permitted to carry a maximum of ₹25,000 in cash into Nepal. Customs officials noted that concealment of large cash amounts while crossing into Nepal is a recurring pattern. According to customs officials, such travellers frequently head to casinos in Kathmandu, where cash is preferred because digital payment systems often fail. Notably, ₹500 notes — banned for a period following demonetisation — are now permitted for cross-border travel. The investigation into this case remains ongoing.
Point of View
Undeclared cash flows crossing into Nepal, often destined for Kathmandu's casinos. The ₹25,000 carry limit is routinely flouted, and the use of concealed vehicle compartments signals premeditation rather than casual oversight. What the case also underlines is the surveillance gap: for every vehicle stopped at New Mechi Bridge, many more likely pass unchecked across the porous border. The real question is whether enforcement is keeping pace with the volume of informal cross-border cash movement — or merely catching its most careless participants.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cash was seized from the two Sikkim men at the India-Nepal border?
SSB personnel seized ₹9.74 lakh in Indian currency — comprising ₹5,24,000 claimed by driver Jiwan Biswakarma and ₹4,50,000 claimed by Rahul Nepal. The cash was found hidden in concealed compartments of their Mahindra XUV300 at New Mechi Bridge, Panitanki on 15 July.
How much cash can Indian nationals legally carry into Nepal?
Indian nationals are permitted to carry a maximum of ₹25,000 in cash into Nepal under current regulations. Carrying amounts above this limit requires proper documentation under the Customs Act, 1962 and Foreign Exchange Management regulations, which the two men failed to provide.
Who intercepted the two men, and what happens next?
The SSB's Border Intelligence Team (BIT) intercepted the vehicle during routine checks. After the currency was verified as genuine at the SSB's Panitanki headquarters, both individuals, the cash, and the vehicle were handed to the Customs Office, Panitanki for further investigation under the Customs Act, 1962.
Why do people conceal cash while travelling to Nepal from India?
According to customs officials, a common reason is gambling at casinos in Kathmandu, where cash is preferred because digital payment systems frequently fail. Officials noted this is a recurring pattern at the India-Nepal border, with travellers often concealing amounts far above the legal ₹25,000 limit.
Are ₹500 notes allowed for travel to Nepal?
Yes, ₹500 denomination notes are currently permitted for cross-border travel to Nepal. They had been restricted for a period following India's demonetisation, but are now allowed, according to customs officials cited in this case.
