Indian businesswoman Shruti Chaturvedi claimed she was held for eight hours at Anchorage Airport in Alaska after airport security identified a power bank in her bag as “suspicious.” Shruti Chaturvedi, founder of India Action Project and Chaaipani, shared her experience on social media, calling it one of the worst experiences of her life.
In a tweet on X (previously Twitter) earlier today, she narrated how she was kept in a chilly room without her warm gear, physically searched by a male police officer while being filmed, questioned by police and FBI officers, and barred from using the restroom and receiving even a single phone call for the whole length of detention.
“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 to miss your flight – all because the airport security found your powerbank in handbag ‘suspicious,'” Chaturvedi posted on X.
“I don’t have to imagine, already past the worst 7 hours. And we all know why,” she posted, tagging the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Chaturvedi reported that her wallet and mobile phone were snatched from her during the ordeal and that she missed her connecting flight as a result of the lengthy interrogation. The experience has raised eyebrows on social media, with citizens demanding action and a diplomatic approach.
Growing Concern Over Tough US Airport Procedures
Chaturvedi’s ordeal serves to underscore growing concern over increased scrutiny and handling of foreign visitors in the US. Strict immigration and security measures, many of which were tightened during President Donald Trump’s tenure, continue to make foreign visitors have uncomfortable experiences.
Germany and Canada have already revised their travel advisories, cautioning citizens against potential detentions and prolonged screenings at US ports of entry.