Kangana Ranaut Allegedly Slapped by Security Staff at Chandigarh Airport
07.06.2024: In a shocking incident at Chandigarh Airport, newly elected BJP MP and acclaimed actor Kangana Ranaut was allegedly slapped by a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable. Ms. Ranaut, who recently won the Lok Sabha election from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi constituency, was about to board a flight to Delhi when the altercation occurred.
Incident Details
The CISF constable, identified as Kulwinder Kaur, has been suspended following the incident. An FIR has been filed against her. The altercation reportedly stemmed from Ms. Ranaut’s past comments perceived as disrespectful to farmers, referencing the prolonged protests against the farm laws in 2020-21.
Eyewitness Reports
Mobile footage captures Ms. Ranaut surrounded by security personnel as she heads towards the security check-in area, engaging in conversation with CISF officers. Sources indicate that the CISF Commandant is investigating the matter, and local police have been informed by one of Ms. Ranaut’s aides.
Kangana Ranaut’s Response
After arriving in Delhi, Ms. Ranaut avoided speaking to the media. However, she later posted on Instagram, “On my way to parliament. Mandi ki sansad.” In a video statement on social media platform X, Ms. Ranaut reassured her followers of her safety but expressed concerns about rising terrorism in Punjab.
“I am safe. The incident happened at the security check-in. The woman guard waited for me to cross and then hit me, shouting expletives. She said she supports farmers. My concern is terrorism is rising in Punjab. How do we handle that?” Ms. Ranaut said.
Background of the Conflict
The constable, Kulwinder Kaur, was reportedly upset with Ms. Ranaut’s comments during the farmers’ protest. Specifically, she referenced Ms. Ranaut’s “Rs 100” statement, which suggested that some protesters were paid to attend. This remark, made in December 2020, had already sparked significant backlash.
During her election campaign, Ms. Ranaut faced protests from farmers in Chandigarh, further highlighting the tensions. In response to international criticism of the Indian government’s handling of the protests, including a notable post by pop star Rihanna, Ms. Ranaut had made controversial statements on social media, which she later deleted.
Government’s Response to Farm Protests
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, responding to the extensive farmers’ protests, announced in November 2021 that the three contentious farm laws would be repealed. Farmers had expressed fears that the laws would undermine the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system and pave the way for the corporatization of agriculture, leaving small landholders vulnerable.
The incident at Chandigarh Airport involving Kangana Ranaut underscores the lingering tensions and unresolved issues stemming from the farmers’ protests. As the investigation unfolds, it highlights the complexities and emotional stakes involved in these ongoing social and political debates.