The Indian government has confirmed the detention of a United States citizen, identified as a former US Navy officer, near the India-Nepal border.
During a regular press briefing on Tuesday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed the arrest when questioned about a foreign national being taken into custody at the border.
"A foreign national has been taken into custody," Jaiswal stated, adding that the individual was detained due to a lack of proper visa and immigration travel documents. "An investigation is currently underway."
According to local media outlets and security officials, the individual has been identified as 36-year-old Jordan Brown, a resident of California. Brown was apprehended on July 11 by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), India's border guarding force, in the Mainhwa area near the Gauriganj-Sonauli border transit point.
The arrest gained public attention after a video went viral on social media, showing Indian border security personnel tying Brown's legs with a rope to restrain and transport him amidst a crowd of local onlookers.
Preliminary investigations reveal a complex travel route. Brown reportedly claimed that he initially traveled to Thailand on a tourist visa, where he lost his passport. From there, he allegedly made his way to Sri Lanka by sea before entering India via the sea route and residing in Goa. He was caught attempting to sneak into Nepal when he was intercepted by patrol officers.
A case has been registered against Brown under Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act at the Sonauli Police Station. Indian media reports indicate that he has since been transferred to New Delhi's high-security Tihar Jail while intelligence and security agencies continue to verify his identity, military background, and travel claims.
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