BENGALURU: The investigation into the arrest of former US Navy personnel Jordan Brown near the India-Nepal border has gathered momentum, with multiple security agencies closely examining his movements across India over the past 100 days. Authorities are trying to determine whether Brown’s extensive travel across several states was that of a tourist or part of a larger, unexplained mission.
Brown was intercepted while allegedly attempting to enter Nepal through an unauthorised route after travelling through southern, central and northern India in a short span. Investigators believe the pattern of his movements appears unusual for a foreign tourist and are now reconstructing his itinerary to identify the purpose behind his visits.
According to officials familiar with the probe, Brown stayed in Canacona, Goa, between March 28 and May 7. He then moved to Mysuru, where he remained from May 14 until July 7, before travelling to Bengaluru on July 8 and leaving for Hyderabad the following day.
Investigators have also found that on July 10, Brown travelled through Bandol and Seoni in Madhya Pradesh before reaching Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh that same day. On July 11, he was reportedly spotted near Bhagwanpur, close to the Sonauli border, where he allegedly attempted to cross into Nepal through an unauthorised route before being apprehended by security personnel.
The speed with which Brown covered multiple states, including several smaller towns, has raised serious questions among intelligence agencies. Officials say this travel pattern differs significantly from that of an ordinary foreign visitor and are now examining whether he had contacts or meetings during his journey.
The case has now attracted the attention of central intelligence and security agencies, which have joined the investigation initiated by local police. Officials are analysing his travel history, digital footprint, financial transactions and communications to establish whether any national security concerns are involved.
Investigators are also trying to verify Brown’s personal claims after inconsistencies emerged during questioning.
Brown told authorities that he had served in the US Navy for nearly six years and is a resident of California. He further claimed to have studied at a university in California. However, officials said he has not produced any documents to substantiate these claims.
Police sources said Brown’s behaviour during interrogation appeared unusual. Authorities are examining whether he may be suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can affect military veterans, or whether prolonged substance abuse may have influenced his conduct. Officials clarified that these are only lines of investigation and no conclusions have been reached.
Brown also informed investigators that he had lost his passport and other travel documents during his travels. He reportedly admitted that he had visited Goa on several occasions in the past, claiming that he frequently travelled there for parties and to consume narcotic substances. Investigators are now trying to verify these statements while also determining whether the disappearance of his passport was genuine or an attempt to conceal his identity or movements.
Another aspect under scrutiny is Brown’s alleged attempt to flee after noticing security personnel near the India-Nepal border. According to officials, personnel from the 22nd Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) were conducting routine patrols near border pillar number 516 in the Mainihwa area, under the Sonauli police station limits in Uttar Pradesh, when they noticed Brown behaving suspiciously. When asked to stop, he allegedly attempted to escape before being detained.
A search of his belongings reportedly led to the recovery of Rs 31,460 in cash and two mobile phones. However, investigators found no passport, visa or any other valid identification documents, further deepening suspicions.
During questioning, Brown is said to have given contradictory accounts of his journey. In one version, he claimed to have travelled to Thailand on a tourist visa, where he lost his passport. He then allegedly travelled by sea to Sri Lanka before entering India on November 2, 2025. He claimed to have lived in Goa for nearly eight months before travelling to Bengaluru and later Uttar Pradesh, from where he intended to enter Nepal.
Investigating agencies are now verifying Brown’s claims through immigration records, digital evidence and, where necessary, international coordination. Officials are also examining CCTV footage, hotel records, mobile phone data and financial transactions to map his movements across the country.
