Two British tourists in their 30s were asked to leave India after Rajasthan Police found them displaying pro-Palestine posters and stickers in Pushkar, a major pilgrimage town known for its large influx of Israeli travellers and the presence of Jewish religious centres.
According to the Rajasthan Police, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Monday (Feb 2) issued “Leave India” notices to the two foreign nationals for violating the conditions of their tourist visas, which explicitly bar visitors from engaging in political activities while in the country.
The action followed reports received on January 21 that stickers carrying messages such as “Free Palestine” and “Boycott Israel” had begun appearing on walls and public spaces across Pushkar. Given the town’s sensitivity and its popularity among Israeli tourists, the matter was taken up for investigation.
CID officials traced the posters to the two British nationals, who had arrived in Pushkar from New Delhi earlier in January. Police said the duo had got nine sheets of printed posters prepared at a local printing press and subsequently pasted them at multiple locations in the town.
Confirming the development, Additional Superintendent of Police (CID) Rajesh Meena said the tourists’ actions amounted to a clear breach of visa regulations.
“They had come to India on tourist visas. Activities that show hostility or disrespect towards another nation while staying in India are not permitted under visa norms. Since Pushkar has a significant Israeli presence and also houses a Chabad House, the act was taken seriously,” Meena said.
During questioning, the tourists reportedly apologised for their actions. However, police maintained that the violation could not be overlooked, as tourist visa holders are strictly prohibited from participating in political activism or public campaigns of any nature.
Following the inquiry, the two were served official notices under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, directing them to exit the country immediately to avoid further legal action. The Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) in Ajmer has instructed the tourists to leave “at the earliest,” and officials said the duo has informed authorities that they are in the process of booking their return tickets.
Officials also clarified that no formal complaints were received from other tourists or local residents regarding the posters. After the CID’s intervention, all stickers and posters were removed from public places, and checks were conducted in areas frequently visited by foreign tourists to ensure no similar material remained on display.
