JANAKPURDHAM, Feb 17: On the morning of December 1, 2024, 46-year-old Sub Inspector Laxman Yadav of the Armed Police was killed by smugglers while trying to stop a vehicle carrying liquor crossing the border at Chhotki Toli, Kachnari, Bariyarpatti Rural Municipality–1, Siraha.
The vehicle ran over Sub Inspector Yadav while attempting to stop a gang involved in liquor smuggling. Investigations revealed that five people, both Indian and Nepali, were involved in the incident.
Inspector Yadav, stationed at Armed Police Force Base Camp, Badhari, was on patrol after receiving information that a jeep carrying liquor was being taken from Nepal to India. According to police, eight other personnel from the Armed Police and Nepal Police were on duty at different nearby locations at the time.
At around 3 a.m., the jeep approached where Yadav was patrolling. When he tried to stop it, the vehicle hit him and fled toward India. Although other officers were about 100 meters away, the speed of the jeep prevented any intervention.
He was taken to the Provincial Hospital in Lahan, where doctors declared him dead.
Police arrested former Ward Chairman Manoj Yadav of Narayajpur Rural Municipality–5, Siraha, in connection with the case. Legal action has been taken against him and four others under charges of homicide, murder, and organized crime. The case is being prosecuted at the District Court, Siraha. Yadav was released on bail after paying Rs 120,000. Three other Nepalis and one Indian suspect remain at large, police said.
Language becomes a barrier to Nepal-China border security
Last Monday, an armed police raid on a warehouse in Birgunj led to a clash. The Armed Police and Customs security team raided a warehouse in Adarshanagar, Birgunj-10, suspecting smuggled goods. During the raid, five sacks of clothing worth over Rs 500,000 were recovered, prompting the smugglers to attack.
Three Armed Police personnel were lightly injured and treated at Narayani Hospital. Six people were arrested for their involvement.
Smugglers have also attacked Indian border security forces. On June 3, 2020, Indian Armed Border Police clashed with smugglers at Narayanpur, Sarlahi. During the confrontation, one Indian smuggler was killed, three Nepali security personnel and two smugglers were injured. Similarly, May 31, 2020, armed smugglers attacked the Armed Police at Fenhara, Bishnu Rural Municipality–2, Sarlahi.
Electoral security challenges and plans
Ahead of the House of Representatives election on March 5, Madhesh has been designated a sensitive region. Security forces are focused on strengthening measures across the province to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election, deploying a three-tier security system. Drones and CCTV surveillance will monitor highly sensitive areas.
Out of 2,160 polling stations across eight districts in Madhes, 57 percent (1,237) are classified as “highly sensitive.” Saptari is designated a “red zone” with 209 highly sensitive polling stations. Other districts, including Dhanusha (194) and Mahottari (163), are similarly classified based on security challenges.
DIG Govinda Thapliya of the Madhes Provincial Police said over 40,000 Nepal Police, 10,000 Armed Police, and additional Nepali Army personnel will ensure security, totaling more than 50,000 forces. With 464 km of open border, strict border monitoring will prevent unauthorized activities.
According to Armed Police DIG Krishna Dhakal, personnel have been deployed via election offices, mobile units, and reserve forces. Chief District Officers of Dhanusha and Mahottari have coordinated with Indian security agencies, with a follow-up border security meeting scheduled for February 21.
Half of the polling centers being classified as high-risk highlights the province’s security sensitivity. Political competition, party-switching, influential candidates, religious sensitivity, and past incidents have made Madhes a security-critical region.
Across 32 constituencies, Madhes has 2,160 polling stations and 4,471 polling centers. Of these, 1,237 are “highly sensitive” and 763 “sensitive,” showing serious security challenges. Armed Police, Nepal Police, and temporary police will jointly monitor sensitive areas. Drones, mobile patrols, plainclothes policemen, and special border checks are in place.
For election security, 12,692 Nepal Police and 28,295 election police personnel will be deployed. This demonstrates the state’s full readiness not just for polling day but to control potential pre- and post-election activities.
Security officials say Madhes is highly competitive politically, with small, regional, and independent candidates vying intensely. Party-switching, influential leaders contesting the same area, ethnic and religious sensitivity, and open borders increase risk. Previous incidents of booth capture, ballot box tampering, and clashes further heighten security concerns.
The open border with India presents risks of external influence, illegal crossings, and illicit activity during elections. Border areas have been tightened and suspicious activity closely monitored. Weapons transfer, illegal cash, and attempts to influence voters are under special surveillance.
Religious and social issues linked to election agendas could increase tensions. Security forces are enhancing community-level dialogue, coordination with local leaders, and activating peace committees. Even minor rumors can escalate, so cyber monitoring has been intensified.
Focus also includes monitoring election code violations, crowd management, rallies, and misinformation on social media. Candidates and parties are under close watch. For voters, this election is an opportunity; for security forces, it is a test of effective and safe management.
