Rajasthan – Police Order British Tourists to Exit After Poster Incident
Rajasthan – The Criminal Investigation Department of the Rajasthan Police has served formal notices to two British citizens, directing them to leave India after authorities alleged that the pair displayed posters carrying political messages related to the conflict in Gaza. Officials said the action was taken after determining that the activity violated the conditions of their stay in the country.
Posters Trigger Official Action
According to officials, the posters were found in public areas and included slogans such as “Free Palestine” and calls to boycott Israel. The matter came to the attention of the state’s Criminal Investigation Department following local checks in areas frequented by international visitors. After verification, the posters were removed from view.
Police sources said the two individuals had entered India on tourist visas, which strictly prohibit involvement in political demonstrations or campaigns of any kind. Authorities concluded that placing such posters amounted to political activity under Indian visa regulations.
Visa Conditions Cited by Police
An official from the CID stated that foreign nationals visiting India are required to adhere to the terms of their visas at all times. Tourist visas, in particular, do not allow participation in political causes, protests, or actions that could be interpreted as taking positions on international disputes.
The officer added that any conduct perceived as disrespectful toward another country while staying in India is treated as a breach of visa norms. Based on these findings, the department proceeded with formal notices instructing the two visitors to depart the country.
Legal Provisions Invoked
The notices were issued under provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which empowers authorities to take action against foreign nationals found violating visa conditions. Officials confirmed that the decision followed an internal review and was carried out in line with established procedures.
Police emphasized that the move was administrative in nature and focused solely on visa compliance. No criminal charges were announced in connection with the incident, and authorities did not indicate any intention to pursue further legal action once the visitors leave India.
Tourist Area Under Scrutiny
The incident occurred in Pushkar, a well-known destination that attracts large numbers of foreign tourists throughout the year. The town is particularly popular among visitors from several countries, including Israel, due to its cultural and religious significance.
Following the CID’s intervention, local police conducted checks in areas commonly visited by international travelers. These inspections were aimed at ensuring that no similar materials remained on display and that public spaces complied with local laws.
Wider Global Context
The poster incident comes at a time when Israel has faced widespread protests in many countries over its military campaign in Gaza. According to international reports, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of 71,769 Palestinians so far, including 506 people killed after a ceasefire brokered by the United States came into effect in October last year.
Reports further indicate that more than half of those killed in Gaza are women and children. The Israeli military has also been accused of killing over 200 journalists and more than 1,000 healthcare professionals during the conflict. Israel is currently facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
Emphasis on Neutral Enforcement
Indian authorities reiterated that the action taken against the two British nationals was not related to the substance of the slogans themselves but to the violation of visa conditions. Officials stressed that India expects all foreign visitors to respect domestic laws and remain neutral while traveling in the country.
The Rajasthan Police said monitoring in tourist areas would continue to ensure compliance with visa rules and to prevent similar incidents in the future.