Local authorities in Sunsari have interrogated 17 US nationals and one Indian citizen, and sent their documents to the Immigration Department for further investigation.

The foreigners, who visited Nepal on tourist visas, are accused of posing as social workers while covertly attempting to convert people to Christianity.

The individuals were briefly detained after they were allegedly found carrying out religious activities while volunteering to construct a building for the Prerana Kalyankari Society in ward 5 of Dharan Sub-metropolitan City, Sunsari.

Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, chief district officer of Sunsari, said that the authorities interrogated the foreigners after they were found to be involved in activities other than the purpose of their visits stated in their visas.

They were freed after warning them of actions if found involved in unrelated activities, he said. “We have also written to the Immigration Department for further investigation into charges of visa misuse,” Mishra added. “They were found involved in activities other than stated in their visas but their visa period hasn't expired, so the case was forwarded to the Immigration Department.”

After finding some issues in their activities, the Area Police Office Dharan had handed them over to the District Police Office, Sunsari. The district authorities freed them after seizing their documents and wrote to the department.

According to investigating officials, the arrested US nationals entered Nepal on 15-day visas. Sources from the Department of Immigration indicated that an investigation is underway to determine the severity of the offence and decide the next course of action. Under the Immigration Act 1992, they could face deportation from Nepal and be barred from re-entering for a specified period.

The Constitution of Nepal states that every person who has faith in religion shall have the freedom to profess, practice and protect his or her religion according to his or her conviction.

The Article 26 (3), also, states that no person shall, in the exercise of the right conferred by this Article, do, or cause to be done, any act which may be contrary to public health, decency and morality or breach public peace, or convert another person from one religion to another or any act or conduct that may jeopardise other’s religion and such act shall be punishable by law.