Indian entrepreneur Shruti Chaturvedi opens up about what she called the “worst day” of her life. While transiting through Anchorage Airport in Alaska, Chaturvedi was detained for 8 hours by airport security and US authorities—all because of a power bank in her luggage.
Chaturvedi, founder of India Action Project and Chaaipani, was traveling for work. But her journey took a terrifying turn when her power bank was flagged as suspicious, triggering a chain of aggressive and invasive actions by US security officers.
Detained Over a Power Bank
Shruti’s power bank raised alarms during routine checks. What followed was shocking:
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FBI and local police were called.
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She was interrogated without legal counsel or translation support.
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Security took away her belongings, including her phone.
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She was not allowed to use the restroom or make phone calls.
Most disturbingly, she was physically searched by a male officer, an act that deeply violated her privacy and dignity.
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“I Was Treated Like a Criminal”
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Shruti wrote:
“Imagine being detained for 8 hours, stripped, and treated like a criminal—all over a power bank.”
She described being left in a freezing room, stripped of her warm clothes, and repeatedly ignored when she asked for help.
“We all know why this happened,” she added, hinting at racial profiling and bias against Indian travelers.
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
Outrage and Global Reaction
Chaturvedi tagged India’s Ministry of External Affairs in her post, calling for urgent intervention and an official complaint.
Her story quickly went viral, with many Indians and global citizens expressing shock and anger. Social media was flooded with hashtags like #JusticeForShruti and #TravelWithoutFear.
Several activists and public figures have come forward demanding that the US reevaluate its immigration and security policies, especially in the wake of increasing traveler detentions under the Trump administration.
A Larger Problem: Travel Anxiety on the Rise
Shruti’s case is not an isolated incident. Stricter US immigration policies have been causing fear among travelers, especially those from countries like India, Pakistan, and Mexico.
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Germany and Canada have recently updated travel advisories for the US, warning citizens of “unusual detentions” and “discriminatory practices.”
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Concerns around racial profiling and civil rights violations are growing globally.
“I travel to speak about inclusion and change. Today, I became a victim of the very system I try to change,” Shruti said.
What’s Next?
The Indian government is yet to release an official statement. Meanwhile, immigration experts and civil rights organizations are urging India to file a formal diplomatic protest.
This case could lead to revised travel protocols, better protections for foreign travelers, and calls for greater accountability in US border enforcement.
The incident involving an Indian entrepreneur detained at a US airport for a power bank is more than just a travel mishap—it’s a human rights issue. Shruti Chaturvedi’s courage to speak out has sparked a global conversation about racial bias, airport harassment, and the need for traveler dignity.
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