Mumbai: Bollywood actress and BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi, Kangana Ranaut, found herself at the center of a heated altercation at Chandigarh Airport on Thursday. The incident, which quickly went viral on social media, involved a dramatic confrontation between the actress and a female CISF constable, as well as a separate altercation between two members of Ranaut’s team.
The Incident
According to reports, the incident began when CISF constable Kulwinder Kaur allegedly slapped Kangana Ranaut following an argument over the farmers’ protest. Ranaut, known for her controversial statements, had previously made remarks criticizing the protestors. Kaur, whose mother was involved in the protests, confronted Ranaut over her comments. “She had said that people sit there for 100-100 Rs, my mother was sitting there,” Kaur explained, justifying her actions.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
Kangana Ranaut slapped by CISF constable Kulwinder Kaur at Chandigarh airport for calling protesting farmers Khalistanis. pic.twitter.com/IGfXz2l4os
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) June 6, 2024
A video capturing the aftermath of the slap has been widely shared on social media, showing Ranaut in a heated exchange with airport staff and authorities. The video also reveals another shocking moment: a man, identified as Mayank Mathur—a prominent member of Ranaut’s team—slapping a woman from behind. The woman, who did not react to the slap, is also part of Ranaut’s entourage. This altercation has added another layer of controversy to the already charged situation.
Reactions and Statements
In response to the incident, Kangana Ranaut took to social media to share her version of events. “I have been getting a lot of calls from media persons and my well-wishers. I am safe, perfectly fine,” Ranaut stated. “The incident happened with personnel of the CISF at Chandigarh airport. As soon as I finished the security check, there was a female CISF staffer in another cabin who hit me on my face and abused me. When I asked her why did she do it, she said she supports the farmers’ protest. I am safe but my concern is about how to handle the militancy and separatism that is increasing in Punjab.”
Official Response and Inquiry
Following the altercation, the CISF constable involved, Kulwinder Kaur, has been suspended pending an inquiry. An FIR has been filed, and an inquiry committee comprising senior CISF officers has been established to investigate the incident thoroughly.
Support for Kulwinder Kaur
Farmer leaders have voiced their support for Kaur, condemning her suspension. Sarwan Singh Pandher, a prominent farmer leader, stated, “This is not the first such incident in India; people have previously expressed their anger against politicians in various ways.” He emphasized the need for a fair investigation, highlighting Ranaut’s controversial behavior during the farmers’ protest and her derogatory comments about women protestors.
Kangana’s Journey Continues
Despite the incident, Ranaut proceeded with her journey to Delhi. She shared updates on her Instagram, including pictures of herself on her way to the Parliament, expressing her commitment to her duties as an MP. “On my way to the Parliament. Mandi ki sansad,” she captioned one of the photos, displaying her resilience in the face of controversy.
The Chandigarh Airport slapgate incident has sparked widespread discussion and debate, highlighting the deep-seated tensions surrounding the farmers’ protest and the polarizing figure of Kangana Ranaut. As the investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile intersection of politics, celebrity, and activism in India today.
