Newly elected MP and actor Kangana Ranaut was allegedly slapped by a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable at Chandigarh airport, reportedly due to “disrespecting farmers.” Ms. Ranaut, who recently won the Lok Sabha election from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi, was preparing to board a flight to Delhi when the incident occurred.
The CISF constable involved, identified as Kulwinder Kaur, has been suspended, and a first information report (FIR) has been filed against her. Following the incident, the constable allegedly told Ms. Ranaut that the slap was for “disrespecting farmers,” referring to the 15-month-long protest against the (now scrapped) farm laws and the demand for a legal guarantee of minimum support price in 2020-21.
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Mobile footage shows Ms. Ranaut being escorted by security officers towards the check-in area, where she is seen speaking with some CISF officers.
The CISF Commandant is investigating the incident and questioning the constable, sources reported. One of Ms. Ranaut’s aides has also informed local police.
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Upon landing in Delhi, Ms. Ranaut did not speak to reporters. Earlier, she posted a photo on Instagram with the caption, “On my way to parliament. Mandi ki sansad.”
In a video statement on X later that evening, Ms. Ranaut reassured her followers of her safety but expressed concern about rising terrorism in Punjab. “I am safe. I am perfectly fine. The incident happened at the security check-in. The woman guard waited for me to cross. She then came from the side and hit me. She started throwing expletives. I asked why she hit me. She said ‘I support farmers.’ I am safe, but my concern is terrorism is rising in Punjab. How do we handle that?” Ms. Ranaut said.
Shocking rise in terror and violence in Punjab…. pic.twitter.com/7aefpp4blQ
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) June 6, 2024
The CISF constable stated she was upset with Ms. Ranaut over the actor-turned-MP’s “Rs 100” comment during the farmers’ protest. “She had given a statement that the farmers are sitting there for 100. Will she go and sit there? My mother was sitting there and protesting when she made this statement,” the constable said.
After slapping Kangana Ranaut, CISF personnel Kulvinder Kaur said, “I slapped her because she gave a statement against the farmers’ protest.“Isne Byan Diya Tha Na 100-100Rs ke Liye Baith Ti Hai Waha Pe, Meri Maa Baithi Thi” pic.twitter.com/6KKVMi4v5t
— Gagandeep Singh (@Gagan4344) June 6, 2024
In December 2020, Ms. Ranaut had posted the “Rs 100” comment on X, after seeing an elderly woman who she claimed was “available for 100,” suggesting she could be hired to attend protests. The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee’s chief, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, demanded an “unconditional apology” from Ms. Ranaut within a week. The actor later deleted the post.