Bollywood actor and newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi constituency, Kangana Ranaut, was reportedly slapped by a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable at Chandigarh Airport on Thursday.
The incident, which has sparked widespread controversy, occurred as Ranaut was about to board a flight to Delhi.
According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation took place at the security check-in area, where Ranaut was seen engaging in a heated exchange with CISF officers. The constable, identified as Kulwinder Kaur, allegedly slapped Ranaut, citing the actor-turned-politician's past remarks about farmers as the provocation.
"This is for disrespecting farmers," Kaur reportedly said, referring to Ranaut's contentious comments during the 15-month-long farmers' protest against the now-repealed farm laws.
She slapped BJP MP Kangana because she was angry with her on her stand on Farmer Protest.
— Khushboo 🇮🇳 (Modi’s Family) (@KhushbooBJP) June 6, 2024
Khalistanis brainwashed her mind so much now her job, career .Take strict action. Today it’s a slap tomorrow it can be a gun also.
Such a shameful act!#KanganaRanaut #CISF pic.twitter.com/kHqXF4vGOz
Mobile footage captured the moments leading up to the altercation, showing Ranaut being escorted by a ring of security personnel. The video depicts Ranaut gesturing animatedly and conversing with the CISF officers before the alleged slap occurred.
Upon her arrival in Delhi, Ranaut refrained from speaking to the media but later met with CISF Director General Nina Singh and other senior officials to discuss the incident. A probe panel has been established to investigate the matter, and Kulwinder Kaur has been detained for questioning at the CISF Commandant Office.
The CISF Commandant has assured a thorough inquiry into the incident. Sources indicate that local police have also been informed by one of Ranaut's aides.
The altercation follows Ranaut's recent electoral victory over Congress rival Vikramaditya Singh, securing her position as the fourth woman ever elected to the Lok Sabha from Himachal Pradesh, and the first not belonging to an erstwhile royal family.
Ranaut defeated Singh, the incumbent state public works minister and scion of the Rampur state, by a significant margin of 74,755 votes.
In the aftermath of the incident, Ranaut took to Instagram, posting a photo with the caption, "On my way to parliament. Mandi ki sansad," underscoring her new role as an MP amidst the unfolding controversy.
