Kangana Ranaut Allegedly Slapped by Female CISF Constable: A Call for Restraint and Unity

No confirmation regarding the registration of the FIR against the defiant constable—who has since been placed under suspension by the CISF authorities—was available at the time of publication.

Incident Overview

On June 6, 2024 afternoon, Kangana Ranaut, the newly-elected BJP MP from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, was allegedly slapped by a female CISF constable, Kulvinder Kaur, at the Chandigarh Airport during a routine security check. Ranaut, who was en route to Delhi, allegedly faced physical assault and verbal abuse from the constable. The incident was reportedly triggered by Ranaut's past comments about the farmers' protest, which had perhaps involved Kulvinder Kaur's mother, as one of the peaceful agitators. However, no video clip or footage of the constable slapping the lady MP has come into the public domain so far, while that of Ms Ranaut prescribing such “chaped (चपेड) treatment” during her campaign is doing rounds in the social media.

Background and Reactions

The controversial Kangana Ranaut, in a video message after the incident, while expressing concern about growing "extremism" and "terrorism" in Punjab, indicated her intention to file a complaint with the Ministry of Home Affairs. The CISF has since suspended the defiant constable, and the matter has been referred to the local police for an FIR to be registered against her. It is, however, still not clear whether an FIR has been formally registered or not. The National Commission for Women has also called for strict action against the constable.

SGPC President's Criticism

President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami criticised Kangana Ranaut's continuous targeting of Punjab and Punjabis, calling her comments "extremely unfortunate and painful." Dhami stated that Ranaut's remarks about increasing terrorism in Punjab reflect a "sick mentality" and accused her of polluting the country's atmosphere with her words. He emphasised that the country's multi-ethnic and multi-lingual culture survives due to the sacrifices of Punjabis and urged BJP leaders to teach Ranaut self-control and moral values. Dhami also called for an in-depth investigation into the Chandigarh airport incident to determine if Ranaut intended to incite hatred against Punjab, stressing that the investigation should be free from political or personal influence to ensure justice.

Political Silence but Cacophony on Social Media

Interestingly, the Twitter handles of the Punjab state units of various political parties, including the BJP, remained largely silent on this matter. This conspicuous silence underscores the difficulty and sensitivity political entities face in publicly articulating positions on potentially sensitive issues. The incident touches upon deeply ingrained sentiments related to regional pride and national unity, making it a complex situation for public commentary.

However, certain individuals on social media quickly seized the opportunity to paint the Sikh community collectively in a negative light, using terms like "Khalistanis" and terrorists. Some even made inflammatory references to the events of 1984. While such rhetoric can be expected from internet trolls, it is particularly troubling when so-called respected journalists and political analysts indulge in similar mud-slinging. This behaviour is exceedingly unfortunate and only serves to further inflame tensions.

Legal and Jurisdictional Considerations

The FIR sought against Kulvinder Kaur, the CISF constable, stems from a complaint lodged by CISF officers. However, to strengthen the legal footing, it would have been prudent to base the FIR on a written complaint from Ranaut herself, supported by eyewitness accounts from on-duty CISF personnel. It is learnt that no medico-legal report of the allegedly assaulted MP has been annexed with the CISF’s request for registration of the FIR. Given the location of the incident in the departure lounge of Chandigarh Airport, which falls under the jurisdiction of SAS Nagar (Mohali) district in Punjab, the Punjab Police are responsible for the investigation. As per the latest reports, the Punjab Police are still reviewing the CCTV footage, and confirmation of the FIR was not available at the time of publication.

Bikram Majithia's Position

Bikram Majithia, the Shiromani Akali Dal General Secretary, echoed the sentiments of the SGPC President, stating that the pain of the farmer protests still lingers in the minds of Punjabis. He noted that more than 700 farmers had laid down their lives in protest against the three anti-farmer laws and criticised Ranaut for repeatedly speaking against Punjabis, particularly women. According to Majithia, the incident at Chandigarh Airport was a result of the anger among Punjabis against Ranaut. Although he does not support violence in any form, Majithia emphasised that farmers support the nation by providing food and that their sons, brothers, and sisters serve at the borders.

He stressed that their voices should not go unheard and attributed the incident to the rulers' refusal to listen to the farmers and soldiers of the country. Majithia urged the rulers to understand why such a situation emerged, forcing Kulwinder Kaur to take such an extreme step. He also cautioned against issuing statements that suggest Punjabis are turning into terrorists, as these create an atmosphere of bitterness. Majithia emphasised that the incident should not be used to malign an entire community and called for restraint and understanding.

Concluding Appeal for Restraint and Unity

In light of the incident and the ensuing reactions, it is crucial for all parties to exercise restraint and work collectively to address the genuine concerns of the farmers and the Punjabi community, including the Sikhs. This unfortunate incident should not be allowed to exacerbate tensions or foster divisions. Leaders and citizens alike must strive to maintain harmony and uphold the principles of justice and unity. A free and fair investigation should proceed without any external influences or pressures. Additionally, the worthy MP should now transform her conduct, including her speech, to reflect the dignity befitting a Member of the Lok Sabha, moving away from the aggressive rhetoric of an election campaign.

The focus should be on resolving issues through dialogue and mutual respect, recognising the contributions and grievances of all stakeholders. By fostering a spirit of cooperation and understanding, we can navigate this incident constructively and ensure that such conflicts do not undermine the fabric of our society.

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