Nepal seeks diplomatic release for brothers held in Indian jail over fertilizer purchase

Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal confirmed that the government is actively pursuing diplomatic efforts to free two brothers from Sarlahi who have been held in an Indian jail for three weeks. The Singh brothers, Suresh Prasad and Nagendra Prasad, were arrested on July 1 after buying fertilizer in Sonbarsa, India, a common practice due to shortages in Nepal. Their detention highlights the ongoing challenges farmers face in accessing essential agricultural supplies. Khanal stated that Nepal's embassy in New Delhi is in constant communication with Indian authorities, aiming for the brothers' release on bail. He expressed confidence that they would be freed soon, with the embassy advising family members to be present. The arrests occurred after the brothers were found carrying urea and DAP fertilizer on their bicycles, leading to accusations of smuggling by Indian agriculture officials and the Sashastra Seema Bal. They were initially held at a local police station before being transferred to Dumra prison, awaiting a court hearing.

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The government was making diplomatic efforts to secure the release of two brothers from Sarlahi who have been in an Indian jail for the past 20 days after being arrested while returning home with fertiliser bought from across the border.