British Medical Volunteers Detained at Indian Border
Two British doctors face legal proceedings in India after allegedly crossing the border from Nepal without proper documentation during what has been described as an act of "pure curiosity." The incident occurred amidst heightened security measures following a recent deadly car explosion in Delhi.
The Border Incident and Arrest
Security personnel from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and local police detained the two British citizens on Saturday at the Rupaideha border in Uttar Pradesh state. According to Ganga Singh Udawat, commandant of the SSB 42nd Battalion, the individuals had walked across the frontier and were intercepted shortly after their unauthorized entry.
The border crossing took place during increased security checks implemented after a car explosion in Delhi earlier this month that killed 13 people. While the border remains open to Indian and Nepalese citizens, foreign nationals are required to carry valid visas for both countries.
"During scrutiny of their documents, it was found that both were British nationals and did not possess valid Indian visas," Commandant Udawat told the PTI news agency. "They failed to provide a satisfactory reason for their entry into India."
Profile of the Detained Doctors
The arrested individuals have been identified as Dr Hassan Amman Saleem, 35, a British citizen of Pakistani origin residing in Manchester, and Dr Sumitra Shakeel Olivia, 61, originally from Udupi in southern India but currently living in Gloucester.
Dr Saleem serves as a technical audiology instructor at De Montfort University and had recently described his trip to Nepal as "eye-opening" in a LinkedIn post, where he discussed the challenges facing local healthcare services. Dr Olivia works as a clinical lead in paediatric audiology at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
Indian officials confirmed that Dr Olivia did not hold an Overseas Citizen of India card, which provides long-term visa status for people of Indian origin, meaning she required a standard visa to enter the country legally.
Medical Mission and Border Curiosity
Both doctors were volunteering with Britain Nepal Otology Service (Brinos), a Surrey-based charity that provides ear surgery and hearing care in Nepal. They had travelled to Nepalgunj, a city near the Indian border, following an invitation from a local hospital.
Neil Weir, founder of Brinos, explained that the pair had separated from their team during free time to visit the border area. "It was pure curiosity that prompted them to go near the border," he told The Times. "They initially intended to look at the border from the Nepalese side."
Weir added that despite warnings from Nepalese authorities against crossing, Dr Olivia had been "keen to put a foot in India."
Legal Consequences and Official Response
Following their detention, Rupaideha police registered a case under the Passport Act 1967, which governs travel documentation and immigration offences in India. Superintendent of police Ramanayan Singh confirmed that the arrested individuals would be produced before a court.
The UK Foreign Office has acknowledged the situation, stating: "We are supporting two British nationals detained in India and are in contact with the local authorities." The statement confirms that British officials are engaged in the case and providing consular assistance to the detained doctors.
The incident highlights the importance of ensuring proper documentation when travelling between countries, even during humanitarian missions, and serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can result from border violations, particularly during periods of heightened security alert.
