Mumbai police search activist’s home over kite event for Palestinian children
Mumbai police conducted a search of an activist's home regarding a kite-flying event held in solidarity with Palestinian children. The activist reported that the search was conducted without a warrant and involved the seizure of personal devices.
Why it matters
The incident raises concerns regarding civil liberties, police conduct, and the limits of political expression in the current social climate.
The Mumbai police allegedly searched the residence of an activist in Mumbai on Friday (September 18, 2026) in connection with a kite-flying event held to show solidarity with Palestinian children.
The activist, Harshada, is a student and a volunteer associated with the citizens’ group Indian People in Solidarity with Palestine. The 26-year-old said five members of the group were present at her home during the search and were not permitted to leave.
Activists claimed that the police questioned a sixth person at Bandra police station before releasing that person in the evening.
Participants across the world flew kites on September 15 to raise awareness about Israel’s war on Gaza.
The group said individuals in plainclothes claiming to be police officers came to Harshada’s residence. Around 15 police officers were present at the location at one point, Ms. Harshada said.
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