Constable Suspended and Arrested for Slapping Kangana Ranaut

The incident occurred on Thursday as Ranaut was preparing to board a flight to Delhi. Sources indicate that Kaur confronted Ranaut, recalling an inflammatory statement made by the actor during the 2020 farmers’ protests against three controversial agricultural laws passed by the central government. Ranaut had insinuated in a social media post that farmers were being paid ₹100 to participate in the protests. “She gave a statement… that farmers are sitting there for ₹100. Will she go and sit there? My mother was sitting there and protesting when she gave this statement…,” Kaur said, expressing the anger that many supporters of the protest felt towards Ranaut’s comments.

Ranaut’s post, which featured an elderly woman at a protest site, faced severe backlash and was subsequently deleted. The remark was seen as derogatory and dismissive of the genuine grievances of the protesting farmers. This sentiment apparently fueled Kaur’s reaction at the airport.

Eyewitness videos from the airport show Ranaut being escorted towards the security checkpoint, where an argument ensues between her and Kaur. The footage, however, does not capture the actual moment of the alleged slap. Following the incident, Ranaut shared a video on X (formerly Twitter), recounting her version of the events. “The incident happened at the security check-in. The woman guard waited for me to cross. She then came and hit me… started throwing expletives. I asked (her) 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?” Ranaut said.

This confrontation is not the first time Ranaut’s remarks have incited strong reactions. In February 2021, she faced significant backlash for her response to a post by international pop star Rihanna. Rihanna had shared a video of the farmers’ protests with the caption, “Why aren’t we talking about this?” Ranaut responded by labeling the protesters as “terrorists,” alleging they were attempting to divide India. “No one is talking about it because they are not farmers, they are terrorists who are trying to divide India, so that China can take over our vulnerable broken nation and make it a Chinese colony much like the USA… Sit down you fool, we are not selling our nation like you dummies,” she wrote in a now-deleted post.

The Chandigarh airport incident has reignited debates surrounding the farmers’ protests and the deep emotions they continue to stir among the public. Ranaut’s controversial remarks have often placed her at the center of political and social debates, drawing both ardent support and vehement criticism.

Kulwinder Kaur’s arrest has prompted discussions about the conduct and responsibilities of security personnel, especially in situations involving high-profile individuals. The CISF, responsible for securing critical infrastructure and airports, is now under scrutiny over the actions of its personnel and the protocols in place to prevent such incidents. The force’s handling of the situation will likely be closely examined as the investigation progresses.

This incident underscores the enduring tensions related to the farmers’ protests, highlighting the volatile mix of politics, celebrity influence, and public sentiment in India.As the country continues to navigate these complex issues, the confrontation between Kaur and Ranaut serves as a stark reminder of the deep divides and strong feelings that these topics evoke.