Gonda, Uttar Pradesh: Over 100 students from the New Standard Training Institute, aged between 14 and 18, were stranded in a dense forest near the Nepal border on Saturday night during a school trip.
The group attempted to cross into Nepal through the Rupaidiha border but was stopped due to border regulations. Despite warnings from locals and authorities, the school staff decided to take the students further into the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, which is close to the Nepal border. After passing through multiple checkpoints, they reached Amba village but were unable to cross into Nepal for a second time.
With no other option, the students were left stranded at Bichhiya railway station, located deep in the forest. As temperatures dropped, the group faced harsh conditions without shelter. Local social worker Jang Hindustani criticized the school’s decision to ignore safety warnings, especially given the proximity to the Nepal border.
Upon learning of the situation, District Magistrate Monika Rani ordered immediate action. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sanjay Kumar, along with police and forest officials, responded quickly by providing food, lighting bonfires, and ensuring the safety of the group. The students and staff were finally escorted back to Gonda around midnight.
This incident highlights the importance of following local regulations and advisories, particularly when organizing trips near international borders like Nepal.
