Mumbai: Viral Video Shows Female Tourist Mobbed At Gateway Of India By Group Of Men For Selfies; Sparks Safety Concerns For Foreigners

Mumbai: A disturbing video from Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India has gone viral, raising serious concerns over the safety of foreign tourists, especially women, in India’s metropolitan cities. The footage shows a woman tourist being suddenly surrounded by a large group of men, some of whom begin taking selfies with her without her clear consent.

Viral Video Shows Female Tourist Being Mobbed

In the viral video, a man initially approaches the woman and casually asks for a photo. He then places his hand on her shoulder and begins clicking a selfie. Within moments, several other men crowd around her, taking pictures and videos.

अमेरिका ने कुछ दिन पहले महिलाओं के लिए ट्रैवल एडवाइज़री जारी किया था कि भारत में अकेले घूमने ना जाएं, वरना हिंसा और बलात्कार हो सकता है 🚨🚨

देखिए कैसे विदेशी महिला पर्यटकों के कंधे पर हाथ रख कर सेल्फी ले रहे हैं जैसे ख़ुद की पत्नी हो 😡😡 pic.twitter.com/5PQwGYeXG1

— Saral Vyangya (@SaralVyangya) July 27, 2025

At one point, nearly 15 men are seen encircling the tourist, who appears visibly overwhelmed. Despite the intrusive situation, the woman keeps her composure and even jokes, saying, “Rs 100 per photo,” towards the end of the clip, a remark many netizens saw as a clever way of diffusing tension.

Netizens Slam People Mobbing Woman Tourist

The incident has sparked outrage online. Social media users condemned the group’s behaviour, calling it disrespectful and damaging to India’s global image. Several users noted that the woman appeared uncomfortable at various moments, highlighting how such invasions of personal space can be distressing, even if they don’t escalate into violence. There is currently no clarity on when the video was recorded, nor any official word on whether any action has been taken against those involved.

अपने देश की छवि को खराब न होने दे कृपया करके बाहर से आए हुए विदेशियों के साथ गलत बर्ताव न करे। ऐसा करने से हमारे देश की छवि खराब होती है।

— Saadhu Yadav (@Arunyadav12345) July 27, 2025

अपने ही देश में एके विदेशी के साथ फोटो खींचने के चक्कर में बिक गए 😡🤬🤬

— Vimlesh Kumar✨ 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@VimleshKum21098) July 27, 2025

देखिये विदेशी महिला के साथ कैसे दुर्व्यवहार किया जा रहा है 👇 pic.twitter.com/VFMADkmvLe

— Berojgar Ladka (@iamBerojgar_) July 27, 2025

यह तो शर्मनाक है पहले ही इन लोगों की वजह से भारत की छवि खराब है ,यह लोग सुधर क्यों नहीं रहे

— Anwar Ali (@Anwarali_0A) July 27, 2025

@theskindoctor13 @dranuj_k @KartiPC watch this real danger to society, humans abusing the foreign tourist. AB tumhari jaban kyu bandh ho jati hai? yaha bhi bolona kuch apne illiterate mind se nikalo kuch

— Dilthi Gujarati (@dilthi_gujarati) July 27, 2025

US Issues Level-2 Travel Advisory For India, Citing Crime & Terror Threats

The viral video comes just a month after the United States issued a Level-2 travel advisory for India. Released on June 16 by the US State Department, the advisory urges American citizens to 'exercise increased caution' while traveling in India due to rising concerns over crime and terrorism. It specifically warns of violent crimes such as sexual assault, especially in crowded tourist areas, markets, and transport hubs.

#US issues Level-2 travel advisory for #India, citing crime & #terror risks. pic.twitter.com/1XHvBWMge8

— IDU (@defencealerts) June 22, 2025

The advisory describes rape as one of the fastest-growing crimes in India and warns that terror attacks may occur with little or no warning. The guidance recommends that tourists, particularly women, avoid traveling alone, remain alert in public spaces and stay informed about local developments.

'Rape Is One Of The Fastest-growing Crimes': US Issues Level-2 Travel Advisory For India, Citing Crime & Terror Threats

Additionally, the US government advises travellers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and to stay in regular contact with US embassies or consulates while in the country.