Newly elected MP and renowned actor Kangana Ranaut faced an unexpected encounter at the Chandigarh airport. A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable, identified as Kulwinder Kaur, allegedly slapped Ms. Ranaut, who had just won the Lok Sabha election from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi. The incident occurred as Ms. Ranaut was about to board a flight to Delhi. According to reports, the constable claimed the action was taken due to Ms. Ranaut's "disrespect towards farmers," referring to the prolonged protests against the now-scrapped farm laws and other related issues in 2020-21. Footage shows Ms. Ranaut being escorted by security personnel towards the security check-in, where she was engaged in a discussion with CISF officers. The CISF Commandant has taken cognizance of the incident and is currently questioning the constable. One of Ms. Ranaut's aides has also informed the local police about the incident. The actor-turned-MP did not speak to reporters upon her arrival in Delhi. Earlier, she had shared a photo on Instagram, captioned "On my way to parliament."
In a video statement shared on a social media platform, Ms. Ranaut confirmed her safety while expressing concerns about the rising threat of terrorism in Punjab. She recounted the incident at the security checkpoint, where a woman guard confronted her after she had crossed the checkpoint. The guard, upset by Ms. Ranaut's previous remarks about the farmers' protest, accused her of disrespecting the protesters. Ms. Ranaut asserted her safety but emphasized her worries over the increasing tensions in Punjab. The CISF constable involved in the incident defended her actions, citing Ms. Ranaut's controversial comments about the farmers' protest. The constable claimed that Ms. Ranaut's statement, which suggested the farmers were being paid to participate, had angered her, as her own mother was among the protesters. The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee previously demanded an unconditional apology from Ms. Ranaut within a week, in response to her "Rs. 100" remark, which was seen as disrespectful towards the farmers' movement.
(Video Source: CNN-News18)
