Bahraich (UP)

A vehicle carrying over 1,500 bottles of soft drinks failed to produce the required Customs documents along the India-Nepal border in Bahraich, while air conditioners being "smuggled" into Nepal were seized during inspection, Sashastra Seema Bal said on Saturday.

The troops recovered 1,575 bottles (each of 2.25 litres) of soft drinks, two ACs and two bicycles in two separate operations, it said.

Deputy Commandant of the 42nd Battalion of the SSB Dilip Kumar said that on Thursday night, during a routine inspection at the BIT check post in Rupaidiha, a pick-up vehicle heading towards Nepal was signalled to stop.

However, breaking through the barricade, the driver attempted to flee. The troops managed to intercept the vehicle and recovered 1,575 bottles (each of 2.25 litres) of soft drinks.

The driver was unable to produce valid customs documents, they said, adding that during interrogation, he identified the goods as belonging to Pintu Pradhan.

The SSB seized the vehicle along with the merchandise and handed it over to the Customs Office in Nanpara, an official said.

READ MORE: Two-time World Champ Nikhat Zareen's story begins with smashing stereotypes

On the same day, near Border Pillar Number 656, an SSB patrol team intercepted and recovered two LG-brand split air conditioners that were being smuggled into Nepal on bicycles, the officer said.

The SSB apprehended one smuggler, Munnu, a resident of Nanpara, at the scene, while the other managed to escape. The two recovered air conditioners and two bicycles have been handed over to the Customs Department, officials said.