CBI Books Former SSB Officer for Alleged Smuggling Nexus Along India-Nepal Border

The CBI has registered an FIR against a former Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) assistant commandant for allegedly colluding with smugglers to facilitate large-scale smuggling operations along the India-Nepal border and conducted searches at premises linked to him, officials said on Monday.

The agency has named the officer, identified as Amit, in the case, alleging that he was involved in illegal activities while posted with the 20th Battalion of the SSB in Sitamarhi, Bihar, between March 2023 and January 2026.

According to the FIR, the officer allegedly established a nexus with smugglers operating from Raxaul and other nearby areas to facilitate large-scale smuggling through the Bhangaha Border Outpost. The FIR further alleges that the officer received undue benefits from smugglers in exchange for facilitating the illegal operations.

During its investigation, the agency flagged suspicious financial transactions in multiple bank accounts held by the officer and his family members, officials said. The FIR also refers to considerable cash deposits made into these accounts through cash deposit machines, raising suspicions about the source of the funds.

The CBI has registered the case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, officials said. Searches were conducted at premises linked to the former officer as part of the agency's investigation into the alleged criminal nexus and suspected financial irregularities.

The investigation is focused on the alleged involvement of the officer in smuggling activities and the suspected financial benefits he may have received from those involved. The SSB is a central armed police force responsible for guarding India's borders with Nepal and Bhutan. Its personnel are deployed to prevent cross-border crimes, including smuggling and other illegal activities.

The allegations against Amit are yet to be established in court. Further details about the searches and the recovery of any incriminating material were not immediately available. The CBI has not disclosed further details about the alleged smuggling operations or the identities of the other persons suspected to be involved in the case.