UTTAR PRADESH, India (Diya TV) — Police in Uttar Pradesh arrested a U.S. citizen after he allegedly tried to cross into Nepal through an unauthorized foot trail near the Indo-Nepal border in Maharajganj district, officials said.

The man did not carry a passport, visa, or any other identity document when security personnel stopped him near Border Pillar No. 516 in the Sonauli Kotwali area. Officials said he also gave conflicting statements about his identity, travel history, and the purpose of his visit. As a result, authorities launched a detailed verification of his claims.

Security personnel spotted the man as he moved toward the border through a footpath under the Bhagwanpur police outpost. They signaled him to stop. However, officials said he tried to run away. Security teams quickly caught him and took him to the security company’s headquarters for questioning.

Police identified the man as a California resident in the United States. However, they said he failed to produce any document that could confirm his identity or legal stay in India. Because of that, investigators began checking every detail he shared during questioning.

According to officials, the man claimed he had traveled to nearly 70 countries. He also said he arrived in India after visiting Bali, Indonesia, in May. During questioning, he told investigators that he studied at the University of California. In addition, he claimed he served in the U.S. Navy and Special Forces for six years before leaving military service about two years ago.

Station Officer Mahendra Mishra of Sonauli police station said the man also told investigators that both of his parents had died. However, officials have not confirmed those claims. Therefore, police continue to verify the information through the appropriate channels.

Investigators said the man gave different versions of his movements inside India. He first claimed that he arrived in Goa from the United States about two months ago. He said he stayed there for nearly six weeks. Later, he told police that he traveled from Bengaluru to Lucknow by bus on July 8. After that, he reportedly went to Gorakhpur. From Gorakhpur, he allegedly hired a taxi to reach the Sonauli border near Nepal.

The man also explained why he wanted to enter Nepal. He told investigators that he planned to meet a person identified only as “Naz.” According to his statement, Naz is a Nepalese national whom he met while staying in Goa. However, he could not provide a full address or any reliable contact details. Because of that, investigators could not immediately verify the claim.

Furthermore, the man told police that another acquaintance from Bengaluru had his passport. Still, he failed to provide complete information about that person as well. Officials said those missing details raised additional questions during the investigation.

The foreign national also claimed that he met an Indian woman from Uttarakhand in Italy three years ago. He said the two later married in October 2024. He added that his wife works as a yoga instructor. Even so, police said they are checking those claims because the man repeatedly changed key parts of his story.

Officials said the repeated contradictions made it necessary to verify his identity, travel route, and personal background. They are also examining how he entered India and whether he followed immigration rules during his stay.

The incident took place near the Indo-Nepal border, where security agencies closely monitor cross-border movement. Authorities regularly patrol the area to prevent illegal crossings and maintain border security. Travelers must use designated immigration checkpoints and carry valid travel documents while entering or leaving either country.

Police arrested the man and later sent him to jail. They also informed the U.S. Embassy about the case, officials said. Meanwhile, investigators continue to examine his statements and coordinate with other agencies to confirm the facts. Authorities have not announced any additional charges, and the investigation remains ongoing.