Footage from Newark Airport draws criticism, calls for action from Indian politicians and diaspora
A viral video showing a young Indian-origin student being handcuffed and pinned to the ground by US officials at Newark Airport has triggered outrage among the Indian diaspora and political circles back home. The student, who was reportedly being deported, is seen crying and pleading with officials in the now widely shared footage, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
The disturbing incident, witnessed and posted by fellow Indian national Kunal Jain, has raised concerns about the treatment of Indian students in the US.
Jain, who was present at the airport, shared the video on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “I witnessed a young Indian student being deported from Newark Airport last night handcuffed, crying, treated like a criminal. He came chasing dreams, not causing harm.” Jain urged the Indian Embassy and External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar to intervene. He added the student appeared “disoriented” and spoke in Haryanvi, saying, “Main pagal nahi hoon, ye log mujhe pagal sabit karne mein lage hain” (I’m not mad; they’re trying to prove that I’m mad).
Congress demands answers, slams Modi government for ‘failing to protect Indians abroad’.
The Indian National Congress strongly condemned the incident and demanded accountability from the Indian government. Senior party leader Jairam Ramesh criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “The Modi Government is failing to protect the honour of India and Indians.” He called on Modi to raise the matter with US President Donald Trump and to ensure justice for Indian nationals facing mistreatment abroad.
In an official post, Congress questioned the government’s silence, asking:
- Why is Narendra Modi silent on the nation’s insult?
- What is Modi afraid of?
- What is this drumbeat all about?
The party cited previous cases of Indians being deported in handcuffs and demanded a firm response from the Indian administration.
US responds, defends legal action, stresses on visa compliance
Responding to the controversy, the Indian Embassy in the US shared a message from American authorities, stating: “The United States continues to welcome legitimate travelers… However, there is no right to visit the United States. We cannot and will not tolerate illegal entry, abuse of visas, or the violation of US law.”
While the identity and background of the student remain unclear, the video has renewed debate on how Indian students are treated abroad and prompted calls for greater consular support and legal clarity for those pursuing education in the US.
