453 Nepali nationals rescued from alleged trafficking racket in India’s Kushinagar

Authorities have rescued 453 Nepali nationals from Kushinagar, India, where they were allegedly trapped in a fraudulent networking-based trafficking racket. The operation, conducted on Friday by Rupandehi Police with support from Indian authorities, brought the individuals back to Nepal on Saturday.

According to police, victims from various Nepali districts were lured to India with promises of high-paying jobs. Upon arrival in Kushinagar, they were reportedly confined and subjected to financial exploitation. The scheme involved collecting membership fees ranging from INR 7,000 to INR 100,000, with victims pressured to recruit new members in a pyramid-style structure. Those unable to meet recruitment targets allegedly faced threats, including pressure on their families for more money.

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Based on the information, we tracked the location and carried out the rescue with the support of Indian police.

Rupandehi Police chief Janak Bahadur Shahi stated that initial information suggested over 1,000 Nepali youths were taken to the area. "Based on the information, we tracked the location and carried out the rescue with the support of Indian police," he said, noting that further investigations are ongoing. The Nepal Embassy in India confirmed the rescue, highlighting the repatriation of 453 Nepalis ensnared in the scheme.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Nishant Shrivastava mentioned that a complaint from victims' families initiated the inquiry. "After four days of continuous coordination with Uttar Pradesh Police and support from chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s office, we were able to rescue the victims," he said. The rescued individuals are currently at the District Police Office in Bhairahawa, awaiting verification before being reunited with their families. Efforts are underway to identify the masterminds behind the operation.

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After four days of continuous coordination with Uttar Pradesh Police and support from chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s office, we were able to rescue the victims.