Pakistani minor couple crosses into Kutch, detained by police

A Pakistani couple, claiming to be minors, were detained by police in Gujarat’s Kutch district after crossing the international border on foot and arriving in Ratanpar village near Rapar, the main town of the Vagad region. The incident has drawn attention for its striking resemblance to the 1990’s film Refugee, and its story of love across borders.

According to police, the couple—identified as Toto alias Tara and Meena alias Pooja—trekked for nearly a day and a half through rough terrain before reaching Indian territory. Their presence in the village raised suspicion among locals, who alerted the Khadir police on Wednesday morning.

Police Inspector V A Jha, in charge of Khadir police station, confirmed the detention. “The couple, residents of Tharparkar, had crossed the border overnight. At present, both are being interrogated, and security agencies are also questioning them. After primary questioning, they will be sent to a joint interrogation centre,” he said.

Couple claim to be 16 and 15

In their initial statement, Tara and Meena said they were 16 and 15 years old, respectively. However, police officials suspect they may be older and have ordered medical tests to determine their exact ages.

The two belong to the Bhil community and are reportedly from Lasri village near a Shiva temple in Islamkot taluka of Tharparkar district, Pakistan. Investigators said their relatives in Pakistan are farmers and that the pair had no documents, identity cards, or money in their possession.

Crossed barefoot through desert

While the availability of water in the region could explain how the barefoot pair could survive their arduous journey through the desert region, officials expressed surprise that they were able to cross the heavily monitored international border without being stopped by security personnel. The lapse has raised questions about border vigilance in the region.

Agencies probe security breach

Security agencies, including the Border Security Force (BSF), have joined the investigation to determine how the couple managed to infiltrate Indian territory undetected. Both have been handed over for further interrogation at a joint facility.

Kutch frequently reports cases of Pakistani fishermen and civilians straying across land and sea borders. However, officials said that a “lover couple” illegally crossing the border is rare and has become a topic of local discussion.

Desert terrain offers little resistance

Ratanpar lies in the Khadir island belt of Kutch, close to the international boundary and characterised by desert and salt marshes. Locals said many families in the region have cross-border ancestral links dating back to earlier India–Pakistan wars, so the couple might have used their knowledge of the landscape to navigate the terrain undetected.

Police and security officials are withholding further details until the couple’s ages and background are fully verified. Investigations are continuing.