Differently-abled Sohan Raut (name changed) of Motihari in India has been supporting his family members by smuggling goods across the Nepal-India border on his wheelchair.

Raut, who has been living in a rented room at Chapakaiya in Birgunj for the past seven years, said that he earns Rs 500 to 600 per day from his business. “We are dependent on the business for years. I cannot do other works. Police sympathise me and even when they stop me, I give them some money and they let me go,” he said.

According to a source, more than 50 disabled people are supporting their families by smuggling goods on their wheelchairs. Another wheelchair user Sakaldev Mahato (name changed) of Sugauli in India smuggles goods with the help of wife and son. Mahato said he brings in clothes, food items and electronic appliances from Raxaul in India and sell them in Nepali market. The wheelchair users said they take orders from business men in Birgunj, Parawanipur and Jitpur areas and supply them goods.

Police admitted that wheelchair users might be smuggling goods. Deputy Superintendent of Police Basudev Khatiwada said they will investigate into the matter and stop the illegal trade.