Colombian Freed from Indian Prison Remains Under Police Custody

A Colombian national, who was granted bail last Thursday after more than eight months in detention in India, is still being held by police in the northern state of Bihar. The man was arrested on October 29, 2025, for allegedly crossing the border from Nepal without a visa.

His lawyer, Santosh Kumar, confirmed that after leaving prison, the Colombian citizen was transferred to a police residence. The expectation was that his passport would be returned, but he remains in custody. Indian authorities have not yet provided official reasons for his continued detention.

Kumar Gautam, the police superintendent of West Champaran district, assured EFE that he would investigate the reasons for the man's continued confinement. However, no official response has been received thus far. The lawyer stated that the bail was granted on the condition that the Colombian Embassy presents the individual to the court for future hearings, either in person or virtually.

The defense maintains that the man inadvertently crossed the border while fleeing criminals who attempted to rob him near the Nepal border. His passport was reportedly valid at the time of his arrest, but he lacked the necessary visa for India. The defense is demanding the return of his documents and phone, which they expect to receive imminently.

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Bail has been granted on the condition that the Embassy of Colombia presents him before the court for the following hearings, either in person or virtually.