“I thought they were asking for selfies” (Instagram)

Rajasthan is synonymous with vibrant colours, magnificent palaces and imposing forts, many of which stand as reminders of the region’s rich history and the valour of its Rajput rulers. We often say Padharo Mhare Desh (come, visit my country). But for a woman traveller from foreign land, the experience of exploring India can depend on something far more basic.Resurfaced video from a 2022 tripA resurfaced video from 2022 is doing rounds on social media. The clip has brought a less comfortable aspect of the female tourist experience into focus.The video shows an Israeli traveller being approached by a group of men while she was recording herself at the Kishangarh Dumping Yard in Ajmer district. The location was initially widely described on social media as Pushkar, but police reports have identified it as Kishangarh.In the footage, the men can be heard making offensive and inappropriate comments. Among the remarks that emerged after the video was translated was, “Ek shot ka kitna legi, pooch.”“I thought they were asking for a selfie”The incident has since been recalled by the Israeli traveller named Gal Yaakov, who said she initially believed the men were simply asking her for a selfie.She further says that as a foreign visitor, it’s common in India. So, she did not immediately understand what was being said around her. What may have appeared to her initially as ordinary curiosity or a request for a photograph turned out to contain inappropriate remarks.Four men arrestedThe video was recorded in 2022 but resurfaced on social media in September 2026. According to police, the suspects were identified using technical evidence and intelligence inputs, following which four men were arrested.The four arrested men were identified in police reports as Mohammad Furkhan, Farkhan, Mohammad Anees and Akhtar Ali. Ajmer police said the case was taken up suo motu after the video gained attention online.Where did the incident happen?As per several media reports, the incident took place near Kishangarh Dumping Yard in Ajmer district, which is a popular tourist attraction. Ajmer police took suo motu cognisance of the video and launched an investigation.Police later identified and arrested four men in connection with the incident. According to local reports, a special team used technical analysis and other intelligence inputs to identify the suspects.Not the whole India experienceWhat makes Gal’s response significant is that she has not allowed the incident to define her entire experience of India. In a message following the police action, she thanked Rajasthan Police and indicated that she still loves India and would like to return.Why the incident matters for Rajasthan tourismThe incident is significant because Rajasthan is one of India’s most famous international tourism destinations. Places such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ajmer and Pushkar attract travellers from across the globe.Pushkar itself is a major pilgrimage and tourism destination, known for Pushkar Lake, its ghats, temples, markets, and the annual Pushkar Fair. The town draws thousands of tourists, photographers and devotees.So a traveller coming here should feel comfortable and safely be able to explore and photograph the monuments or walk through markets without being treated as an object of entertainment or subjected to unwanted comments.For solo women travellers, basic precautions remain useful: stay connected with someone back home, keep accommodation and transport details accessible, avoid isolated areas when alone, and move towards a busy public place or seek help if a situation begins to feel unsafe.This is also why seemingly “small” incidents of harassment matter in tourism. Travel is not only about monuments and attractions; it is also about how visitors experience public spaces.What foreign travellers should know

Israeli tourist (Instagram)

Rajasthan Tourism itself provides safety guidance for international visitors.

Helpline numbersIt’s important for travellers to know some helpline numbers:

The arrests in the case show that the incident did draw police attention after the video surfaced. But for a destination that welcomes travellers from around the world, the larger lesson goes beyond one viral video: hospitality has to extend to public spaces too.