Two British nationals visiting India on tourist visas have been asked to leave the country after pasting pro-Palestine stickers in public places in Rajasthan’s Ajmer, officials said.
The action was taken against Lewis Gabriel D. and his partner Anushi Emma Christine after the Rajasthan intelligence department alerted local police about their activities.
The couple was found to have pasted stickers supporting Palestine and opposing Israel at various public locations.
Intelligence inputs on January 21 indicated the involvement of the two foreigners. The Intelligence Department reviewed CCTV footage and gathered local inputs before identifying them as the suspects. Police later removed the stickers and detained the duo for questioning.
Following an interrogation led by Additional Superintendent of Police of the CID Rajesh Meena, authorities concluded that the two had engaged in political activity while on tourist visas. Officials said this amounted to a violation of visa conditions.
Subsequently, their visas were revoked under provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, and a Leave India Notice was issued, directing them to exit the country.
The incident has surfaced days after Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin visited New Delhi to attend the second India Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. During her visit on January 29, Shahin said India could play a mediating role between Israel and Palestine and contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza, citing India’s ties with both sides and its long-standing support for Palestine.