Pro-Palestine social media influencers Shrishti Khanna and Prashant Pundir have been reportedly sacked by their employer after a video featuring them allegedly inviting hostility and violence against Israeli travellers in India went viral on social media.
The action was taken days after a Hindu activist account, @HinduITCell on X (formerly Twitter), reached out to Khanna’s employer over the nature of content put out by her in the name of ‘pro-Palestine’ activism. Then, on Thursday, December 18, the account stated that Khanna had been reportedly terminated by her employer, Tickle Right.
The account claimed that the information was conveyed to them by the company’s lawyers during a phone call, although it added that an official public statement from Tickle Right was still awaited.
“Shrishti Khanna’s employment was terminated by Tickle Right, informed to us by their lawyers on call; however, we are still waiting for an official statement from Tickle Right. Post from her partner in crime, Prashant also confirms the same,” the post stated.
Shrishti Khanna employment terminated by Tickle Right, informed to us by their lawyers on call, however, we are still waiting for official statement from Tickle Right.
— Hindu IT Cell (@HinduITCell) December 18, 2025
Post from her partner in crime Prashant also confirms the same. https://t.co/6YsQz0oS5I pic.twitter.com/Ho07Lt0KPX
The account shared a screenshot of an Instagram story by Prashant Pundir, Khanna’s collaborator in the viral video, corroborating the termination, lending further weight to reports that both individuals have faced professional consequences following the backlash over the controversial reel.
What the viral video says
The controversy stems from a video that gained traction across X and Instagram, in which Khanna and Pundir criticise Israeli soldiers who travel to India after completing military service, particularly following the Gaza conflict.
The video explicitly names Indian tourist destinations such as Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Dharamkot, Pushkar and Kasol, alleging that Israeli soldiers frequent these places as a way to “detox” after military operations.
“Where do Israeli soldiers go after killing babies in Gaza? They come here, to India,” Khanna says in the clip, describing India as one of Israel’s biggest post-army travel destinations. The duo claim that between 30,000 and 50,000 Israelis visit India every year, with the number rising to nearly 80,000 in some years.
Framing these trips as more than leisure tourism, they allege that such travel is “state-sanctioned” and “military-approved,” portraying India as a safe haven where Israeli soldiers can avoid scrutiny and accountability.
‘India has become a rehab centre for IDF soldiers’
In the video, the duo further allege that certain Indian tourist hubs, particularly Kasol, Dharamkot and parts of Himachal Pradesh, have evolved into Israeli enclaves. They reference what they describe as the “Hummus Trail” and claim that hostels in these regions display IDF-related symbols and flags.
Srishti Khanna lives in Mumbai with Prashant.
— Squint Neon (@TheSquind) December 15, 2025
She is using her Instagram to invite violence against Israelis visiting Indian tourist destinations@MumbaiPolice do the needful. @NIA_India pic.twitter.com/KeZhM0mUEa
They also cite Goa as a destination for raves and drug parties, while referring to Dharamshala as having a “Mini Israel.” According to them, this reflects deeper political and ideological alignment between India and Israel.
Political allegations and ideological claims
The video goes on to link Israeli tourism in India with bilateral defence ties and international legal frameworks. The duo allege that India’s non-ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court prevents the arrest of foreign soldiers accused of genocide. They further claim that India spends approximately $3 billion annually on Israeli weapons, drones and surveillance technology, which they say has been “tested on Palestinians.”
Referring to a 1940 quote attributed to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar on Zionism, the duo argue that present-day India under PM Modi shares an ideological vision with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“So when some say the Palestinian cause does not concern our motherland,” they conclude, “the truth is that the IDF and the Zionists are literally in our backyard.”
Online backlash and calls for action
The video triggered swift and severe backlash online, with several users calling it a direct threat to Israeli and Jewish tourists in India. Many accused the duo of inciting violence and demanded immediate action from law enforcement.
One user wrote, “This is one of the most dangerous things I’ve seen. It is a direct call for violence.” Others tagged the Mumbai Police, the Maharashtra Director General of Police, and senior state leaders, urging intervention.
Some users also called upon the Israeli Embassy in India and the Ministry of External Affairs to take note of the video, warning that such rhetoric could damage India’s diplomatic standing and endanger public safety.
‘Lady Umar Khalid’ comparisons
Amid the controversy, social media users began drawing parallels between Shrishti Khanna and jailed activist Umar Khalid. A separate video circulating online shows Khanna discussing the risks of pro-Palestine activism in India, referencing Khalid and calling for solidarity against what she describes as genocide in Gaza, while wearing a keffiyeh scarf.
Shrishtii khanna is the female version of Umar Khalid! A ticking time bomb waiting to go off! This is serious, who is funding her? @NIA_India pic.twitter.com/zj3d1qnCm6
— JIX5A (@JIX5A) December 15, 2025
Critics labelled her “the female version of Umar Khalid” and a “ticking time bomb,” questioning the funding and motivations behind her activism.
