Indian Woman Details 8-Hour Detention at US Airport: Denied Restroom, Forced to Undress

New Delhi – Indian entrepreneur Shruti Chaturvedi has shared a disturbing account of her detention at a US airport, where she was allegedly held for eight hours by officials, including those from the FBI, over a power bank found in her handbag.

In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Shruti revealed that she was prevented from boarding her flight, forced to remove her warm clothing, denied access to a restroom, and physically searched by a male officer — all while under surveillance. She also claimed that her mobile phone and wallet were confiscated and that she was kept in a cold room throughout the ordeal.

“Imagine being questioned for hours about absurd things, stripped of your winter wear, frisked by a male officer on camera, denied a phone call, not allowed to use the restroom, and missing your flight – all because your power bank was considered ‘suspicious’ by airport security,” she wrote.

Shruti, who is the founder of the communications firm Chaaipani, added that the experience lasted for nearly eight hours, describing it as the “worst seven hours” of her life, hinting that racial profiling may have played a role.

After being released, she posted a follow-up message confirming she was safe and had only shared the details after leaving the US. She said both she and her friend were eventually let go, but the authorities retained their luggage, providing only a makeshift duffle bag in return.

Reflecting on the experience, Shruti remarked, “Indians outside India are often powerless, especially when you’re not even allowed to make a phone call back home.”

The incident has sparked concern on social media, with many calling for greater accountability and sensitivity in airport security procedures.