British Tourists Expelled Over “Free Palestine” Stickers

Two British tourists have been ordered to leave India after allegedly affixing stickers bearing the slogan “Free Palestine” in support of the Palestinian cause and against Israel in the towns of Ajmer and Pushkar in Rajasthan.

The Intelligence Bureau (IB) of India, treating the incident as a serious security concern, alerted local police authorities. Subsequently, the two foreign nationals were interrogated. The individuals involved have been identified as Lewis Gabriel D. and his partner, Anushi Emma Christine, both of whom had entered India on tourist visas. At the time of the incident, they were residing in Pushkar.

According to reports from NDTV, intelligence agencies received information on 21 January indicating that the couple had been placing politically charged stickers in public spaces. A combination of CCTV footage and local sources enabled the authorities to identify the individuals. A team led by Additional Superintendent of Police Rajesh Meena conducted a formal interrogation.

During questioning, it emerged that although the couple was in India on tourist visas, they had engaged in political and ideological activities, in direct violation of the visa conditions. Following the investigation, local police assisted in removing the stickers.

Under the provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, the tourists’ visas were revoked, and a “Leave India Notice” was issued, requiring immediate departure from the country. Authorities have emphasised that foreigners involved in similar incidents may be detained and subjected to deportation proceedings. Additionally, such violations may result in blacklisting, preventing future entry into India.

The Indian government has reiterated that all tourist visa holders are strictly prohibited from engaging in political, protest-related, or ideological activities while in the country.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, told NDTV that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may undertake a visit to Israel in February. If confirmed, the visit would take place amid heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia and is expected to further strengthen the India-Israel strategic partnership across defence, technology, security, trade, and innovation sectors.

Key Details of the Incident