Renowned actor Shabana Azmi has weighed in on the recent altercation involving newly elected MP and actor Kangana Ranaut, expressing concern over security personnel taking matters into their own hands.
Shabana Azmi took to social media platform X to share her thoughts on the incident, stating, “I have no love lost for Kangana Ranaut. But I can’t find myself joining this chorus of celebrating ‘the slap’. If security personnel start taking law into their hands, none of us can be safe.”
The incident in question occurred at the Chandigarh airport, where Kangana Ranaut was reportedly slapped by a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable. Kangana Ranaut, who had won the Lok Sabha election from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi, was about to board a flight to Delhi when the altercation took place.
Mobile footage capturing the incident went viral, showing Kangana Ranaut being escorted to a check-in counter and a verbal spat breaking out. Although the video does not depict the actual slapping incident, Ranaut later released a video statement expressing her concerns about rising terrorism in Punjab.
The constable involved, identified as Kulwinder Kaur, defended her actions, stating that she slapped Kangana Ranaut for allegedly disrespecting farmers. Kulwinder Kaur mentioned that Kangana Ranaut had made derogatory remarks about the farmers, prompting her to take action.
Following the incident, Kulwinder Kaur has been suspended from duty, and an FIR has been lodged against her. Kangana Ranaut had previously faced backlash for her comments regarding the farmers’ protests, including a remark made in December 2020 and another in February 2021.
In December 2020, Ranaut had made a controversial comment on X regarding the farmers’ protests, and in February 2021, she had referred to the protestors as “terrorists.” Despite the repeal of the farm laws in December 2021, Kangana Ranaut’s statements continue to spark controversy.
The recent incident has reignited discussions about security protocols and the handling of public figures, prompting Shabana Azmi and others to emphasize the importance of adhering to due process and avoiding vigilantism.
