Mumbai police search activist’s house for kite event for Palestinian children

Uniformed personnel began the search at 5:30 p.m. without an arrest warrant, written notice or any official documentation, the group said. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Mumbai police on Friday (September 18, 2026) reportedly searched an activist’s residence in Mumbai in connection with a kite-flying event held in solidarity with Palestinian children.

Activist Harshada is a student and volunteer associated with the civic group Indians in Solidarity with Palestine. The 26-year-old woman said five members of the group were present at her home during the search and were not allowed to leave.

Activists claimed that the police interrogated the sixth person at the Bandra police station before releasing them in the evening.

Participants from around the world flew kites on September 15 to raise awareness of Israel’s war in Gaza.

The group said individuals in plainclothes claiming to be policemen came to Harshad’s residence. About 15 police officers were present at the scene at one point, Ms. Harshada said.

Uniformed personnel began the search at 5:30 p.m. without an arrest warrant, written notice or any official documentation, the group said.

In a social media post on Saturday (September 19), the group said: “More than nine hours – and counting – ‘searching’ for an unlicensed person’s place of residence just to fly kites in solidarity with Palestinian children.”

Ms Harshada said the police had prepared a list of her books and recorded photographs and videos during the search. She said police took the cellphones of two people with her and returned them two hours later after they asked.

One officer was allegedly drunk and was speaking obscenities to those present, Ms. Harshada said. She said the officers present were not responsible for each other’s statements or actions, and when asked: “I didn’t pick up the phone, don’t talk to me”.

She said that when she was taken away, she was accompanied by two friends who were in the library. According to her, the police handcuffed them, used insulting expressions, took their mobile phones and checked their data.

The police later filed a panchnama, Ms. Harshada said. Panchnama is a document that records the observations, findings and evidence collected by the investigating officer during the search.

The group said the police action amounted to an attack on democratic rights and civil liberties and a violation of the right to privacy. It demanded action against the illegal action of the police.

The Hindu tried to contact Senior Superintendent of Police Ravindra Salunkhe, who declined to comment.

Published – 20 Sep 2026 19:52 IST