Indian entrepreneur and founder of Chaaipani and India Action Project, Shruti Chaturvedi, was reportedly detained for eight hours, strip-searched, and deprived of basic human rights because of a ‘suspicious’ power bank in her handbag in Alaska’s Anchorage Airport. She shared the experience on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), calling it the ‘worst day of her life.’
Detained, Stripped, And Refused A Phone Call
Imagine being detained by Police and FBI for 8 hours, being questioned the most ridiculous things, physically checked by a male officer on camera, stripped off warm wear, mobile phone, wallet, kept in chilled room, not allowed to use a restroom, or make a single phone call, made…
— Shruti Chaturvedi 🇮🇳 (@adhicutting) April 8, 2025
As per Chaturvedi, the incident occurred at Alaska’s Anchorage Airport. In her post on X, she shared, that when a power bank that she carried in her bag was found suspicious, airport security, local police, and even the FBI stopped and questioned her.
Astoundingly, she alleged that a male officer conducted a physical check on her while she was being monitored. Her personal items, such as her wallet and mobile phone, were confiscated. She was not allowed to make a call or use the restroom during the eight-hour interrogation.
What made matters worse was being stripped of her warm clothing and forced to sit in a cold room, all while missing her scheduled flight.
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Social Media Reacts To Shruti Chaturvedi’s Claim
This is scary and way beyond someone’s imagination. Hope you’re alright
— Haricharan Pudipeddi (@pudiharicharan) April 8, 2025
This is horrifying, but sadly not shocking. The fact that a powerbank can trigger hours of detention says more about performative security than actual safety.
Hope MEA follows up
— Sudeep Srivastava (@sudeepsriv) April 8, 2025
This is racial profiling. This is systemic intimidation. This is what happens when brown skin and a power bank become “suspicious”.
Hope you are safe now.
— Rakesh P Sheth (@rakeshpsheth) April 8, 2025
The incident has reopened questions about how Indian travellers are treated in the US. Shruti Chaturvedi tagged the Ministry of External Affairs in her post, hinting at racial profiling or unfair treatment based on ethnicity.
Her tweet stated, “Imagine being held by Police and FBI for 8 hours, physically searched by a male officer on camera, stripped of warm clothing, kept in cold room, not permitted to use restroom, or make one phone call.”
Although the precise motives behind the strict security reaction are unknown, her ordeal has attracted fierce criticism and demands for improved diplomatic control.
This incident adds to a growing list of international travellers facing rigid immigration protocols and invasive checks in the US. Many users have shown concern and termed the incident as ‘horrific’. One user commented, “This is scary and way beyond someone’s imagination. Hope you’re alright.” Another added, “This is racial profiling. This is systemic intimidation. This is what happens when brown skin and a power bank become suspicious.”
Several international travellers, including Indians, have complained of delays, secondary checks, and even rejection of visas at US points of entry. Even countries such as Germany and Canada have released fresh travel warnings, advising their nationals to exercise caution when arriving in the US.
Also Read: Mumbai-Varanasi IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Landing After 89-YO Woman Dies Onboard
As stories like hers gain traction, one can only hope that authorities take note, policies are reviewed, and travellers — regardless of nationality — are treated with the respect they deserve.
Cover Image Courtesy: @shrutichaturvedii/Instagram & Canva (For Representation) & @adhicutting/X
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First Published: April 08, 2025 3:22 PM