Lucknow: A US national arrested in UP’s Maharajganj district for allegedly attempting to cross into Nepal without valid travel documents remains on police remand as Indian security agencies continue questioning to determine his identity, purpose of travel and intended destination.The man, identified by police as Jordan Brown, was detained on July 11 along the India-Nepal border in Sonauli in Maharajganj.Brown was questioned by police, the Local Intelligence Unit and state and central intelligence agencies, before being produced in court on July 13. He was initially remanded to 14 days of judicial custody. Police later secured custodial remand until July 24.Maharajganj SP Shakti Mohan Awasthy said, “We are examining his identity, his activities in India and his reasons for attempting to cross into Nepal.”Investigators said Brown has made contradictory claims during questioning. At different points, he allegedly described himself as a former US Navy SEAL commando, while also stating he came to India on a contractual assignment. Officials believe the shifting accounts may have been intended to mislead investigators.Security agencies are attempting to reconstruct his movements across the country and determine why he sought to cross into Nepal. Sources said the US Embassy has been seeking periodic updates through local intelligence channels.Police are examining references Brown made to three individuals identified as Raj, Chetan and Naz, but inquiries so far have not verified their existence. His claim that someone named Naz guided him along an unofficial route toward Nepal and fled after spotting SSB personnel has not been corroborated by border officials.Authorities reported inconsistencies in his travel narrative as well. Brown claimed he reached Sonauli in a private vehicle, while investigators said evidence indicates he travelled by a state-run bus. Police are also verifying his claim that he intended to marry a yoga instructor from Uttarakhand, and have contacted authorities in the state.Officials said they have traced much of his domestic travel history, including stays in Goa, Mysuru, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Seoni (MP) and Prayagraj.
