PATNA, Aug. 28 — A high-security alert has been sounded across Bihar after intelligence inputs suggested that three terrorists of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) have entered the state through Nepal, officials said Thursday.
The Bihar Police headquarters has circulated photographs and names of the suspected terrorists to all districts. Identified as Hasnain Ali of Rawalpindi, Adil Hussain of Umerkot and Mohammad Usman of Bahawalpur, the three are believed to have crossed into Bihar through the border district of Araria, sources said.
Director General of Police Vinay Kumar confirmed the alert but avoided details. “A general alert has been sounded across the state. All district police and several other wings of Bihar Police have been directed to maintain a close watch and ‘extraordinary’ vigil to thwart any attempt by anti-national elements by intensifying area-domination patrolling and search operations,” Kumar said. When asked directly about the suspected infiltration, he added only: “I can say that a general alert has been sounded across the state.”
According to sources, intelligence agencies believe all three have entered Bihar. Police have stepped up security around vital installations and religious sites. Tourist hubs such as Bodh Gaya’s Mahabodhi Temple complex, Rajgir’s Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Patna Sahib’s Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji, and the Mahaveer temple in Patna are under heightened security watch. Airports across the state have also been placed under tighter security measures.
East Champaran police on Thursday released the photographs of the three men and announced a reward of ₹50,000 each for credible information leading to their arrest.
The state’s long and porous border with Nepal has often been flagged as a security vulnerability, and officials said additional patrolling and surveillance have been pressed into service in sensitive districts.
