Indian Offenders Seek Safety in Nepal

After committing crimes, many Indian offenders seek safety in Nepal. However, why is this the case, and why is it so hard to catch them? Even though India and Nepal have an extradition pact, the procedure is still convoluted and inefficient.

The Issue Behind India-Nepal Border and Extradition

• Besides, the open border between India and Nepal makes it easy for criminals to cross into Nepal, which hampers Indian law enforcement from taking them to task.
• The 1953 extrication treaty marked betwixt India and Nepal is out-of-date and weak in managing abnormal personality cases.
• Once they cross into Nepal, Indian authorities find it hard to extradite them for lack of legal provisions against many offences.
• Nepal has emerged as the new safe haven for Indian criminals and terrorists, living free in the country while offering shelter and legal assistance to absconders.
• The extradition takes time as all relevant documents will have to be arranged by Indian authorities — starting with obtaining an Interpol warrant.
• Nepal declines India extradition requests: Although it doesn't always act in concert with the Indian authorities, it continues to help them apprehend criminals who take shelter in its territory.
• Indian gangs particularly from Bihar have escaped to Nepal and found shelter there exploiting the ineffective law enforcement in the region.
• Nepali crime syndicates offer shelter, provide employment and assistance in evading law enforcement.
• The border between India and Nepal is 1,751 kilometres long and is covered by the states of five Indian States.
• The 1953 extradition treaty is out of date for present day crimes. Efforts to modify the treaty in 2005 have stalled, leaving Indian authorities little recourse to bring back fugitives from Nepal.