Kangana Ranaut was slapped by a CISF guard at the Chandigarh airport on Thursday afternoon. The actress-turned-politician was travelling to New Delhi days after her Lok Sabha elections win from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi constituency.
The CISF woman constable, identified as Kulwinder Kaur, has been suspended. An FIR is being registered against the CISF constable at Chandigarh Airport based on a written complaint by CISF officials. A complaint has also been given by CISF to the local police.
What Happened At The Chandigarh Airport?
CNN-News18 learnt that after the security check, Kangana Ranaut was going to the boarding gate where she was slapped by a CISF personnel named LCT Kulwinder Kaur. While it remains unclear what provoked the CISF jawan to attack the newly-elected MP, it is being said that she was reportedly upset with some of Kangana’s previous statements about the farmers’ protest in India.
Kulwinder Kaur said that Kangna Ranaut gave a bad statement about Punjab women during the farmers’ agitation against three farm laws.
Meanwhile, even though CISF has also not clarified what happened at the airport, it has reportedly set up an inquiry committee comprising senior officers.
Video shows scuffle between BJP MP #KanganaRanaut and a CISF woman guard at #Chandigarh airport.(CNN-News18 cannot confirm the authenticity of the video)
News18’s @Arunima24 on sequence of events @poonam_burde | #Kangana #KanganaRanaut pic.twitter.com/wAQESRc1nQ
— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 6, 2024
How Did Kangana Ranaut React To The Slap Incident?
Later, Kangana also took to her X handle to talk about the incident via a video statement. She assured her fans that she was fine but questioned terrorism and violence in Punjab. “Namastey dosto! I have been getting a lot of phone calls from the media and my well-wishers. I am safe, I am perfectly fine. What happened at the Chandigarh airport today was during the security check. When I left after the security check, the CISF personnel hit me on my face. She abused me. When I asked her why she did it, she told me that she supports farmers’ protests. I am safe but my concern is, how do we handle terror in Punjab?” she said.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) took cognisance of the incident and condemned the actions of the woman CISF constable. “The NCW is disturbed by todays’s incident with @KanganaTeam at Chandigarh Airport. We condemn this incident and call for immediate suspension and strict action against Ms Kaur if allegations are confirmed. A letter has been sent to Director General CISF by @sharmarekha,” the NCW said in a statement on X.
The NCW is disturbed by todays’s incident with @KanganaTeam at Chandigarh Airport. We condemn this incident and call for immediate suspension and strict action against Ms. Kaur if allegations are confirmed. A letter has been sent to Director General CISF by @sharmarekha.— NCW (@NCWIndia) June 6, 2024
The shocking incident comes days after Kangana Ranaut defeated her closest rival Vikramaditya Singh of Congress by a margin of over 74,000 votes to win Mandi.
Politicians React To Slap Incident Involving Kangana Ranaut
- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said, “An investigation is underway and action will be taken against the accused. It is sad that a person involved in the security is involved in this. Whatever happened was wrong…”
- Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh, who contested the Lok Sabha election against Kangana Ranaut from Mandi, called it an “unfortunate incident”. “This is very unfortunate. This should not happen to anyone, particularly a lady who is a member of Parliament now. There were some grievances of the CISF constable regarding the farmer’s protest but assaulting someone like this is unfortunate. We condemn this and action should be taken by the Govt against this…” he said.
- JKNC chief Omar Abdullah said, “There’s almost nothing Ms Ranaut says that I agree with but I don’t think there is any justification for physically assaulting her. Her views on the farmer protest were highly objectionable but they were her views and she’s entitled to them. Those celebrating this slap will also have to celebrate them when it’s the bakhts doing the slapping and the sensible people are on the receiving end.”
- Senior BJP leader Jairam Thakur said, “It is unfortunate whatever has happened. For a security person to behave like this at Chandigarh airport is very unfortunate. Investigation will be done and I have got information that the security person has been suspended…”