Since yesterday, social media and news outlets have been abuzz with reports of a shocking incident at the airport involving Bollywood actress and newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) guard Kulwinder Kaur. According to these reports, the now-suspended CISF guard slapped Ranaut, sparking widespread debate and controversy. This incident has raised serious concerns about the conduct of security personnel and the need for respect and professionalism in public interactions. As investigations continue, there is a growing call for accountability and measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The 35-year-old Kulwinder Kaur joined the CISF in 2009 and has been with the aviation security group of the force at the Chandigarh airport since 2021. The MP from Mandi in a video on social media revealed that: The constable came towards her from the side. She hit me in the face and started abusing me. I asked her why she did it, and she said that she supports the farmers’ protests. A video doing the rounds on social media post the incident showed an agitated Kulwinder Kaur talking to people. She is heard saying, “Kangana made a statement that farmers were protesting in Delhi because they were paid ₹100 to ₹200. At the time, my mother was one of the protestors.” It is important to note that Kulwinder Kaur’s brother Sher Singh, is a farmer leader and the organisation secretary of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee.
Some individuals from political and social circles are expressing support for the CISF guard who slapped Kangana Ranaut, congratulating her and even pledging to fund her if any strict disciplinary action is taken by the CISF. This response is troubling as it not only undermines the principles of professionalism and respect that security personnel must uphold but also sends a dangerous message condoning violence. It is crucial to emphasize that any form of physical assault, regardless of the circumstances, is unacceptable and should be addressed through appropriate legal and disciplinary channels. Whether you like Kangana Ranaut or not, the fact of the matter is that a CISF constable on duty slapped a sitting MP over her personal bias against the MP’s comments. Kulwinder Kaur had no right to slap Kangana Ranaut and she must be punished for this unwarranted act of hate.
The CISF is tasked with ensuring the security of India’s critical infrastructure, including airports. Their role demands not only vigilance and discipline but also a high degree of professionalism and respect for the public. Physical altercations, particularly involving high-profile individuals, undermine the very foundation of their duty. The use of force by security personnel must always be justified, proportionate, and within the bounds of law and protocol.
Incidents like the one involving Kangana Ranaut can have far-reaching consequences. Firstly, they can erode public trust in security forces. If citizens perceive that security personnel are prone to using unnecessary force, it can create an environment of fear and mistrust. Secondly, such incidents can damage the reputation of the individuals involved. For a public figure like Ranaut, the fallout can be both personal and professional, impacting her public image and career.
From a legal perspective, the use of physical force by a CISF guard on an MP, particularly in a public space like an airport, must be scrutinized rigorously. Laws and regulations governing the conduct of security personnel are designed to protect both the public and the officers themselves. Any deviation from these norms not only calls for accountability but also necessitates a review of training and procedures to prevent future occurrences.
Ethically, the incident raises questions about respect and human dignity. Regardless of the circumstances, slapping an individual, especially in a public setting, is an affront to personal dignity. It reflects a lack of restraint and respect, which are crucial attributes for anyone in a position of authority.
To address and prevent such incidents, several steps need to be taken. First and foremost, a thorough and impartial investigation must be conducted to establish the facts and hold those responsible accountable. If the guard’s actions were indeed unprovoked and unjustified, appropriate disciplinary measures should be taken.
Secondly, this incident highlights the need for continuous training and development for CISF personnel. Training programs should emphasize not only security protocols but also soft skills such as conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and respectful communication. By fostering a culture of respect and professionalism, such unfortunate incidents can be minimized.
The incident involving Kangana Ranaut and a CISF guard serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance security personnel must maintain between enforcing rules and respecting individual rights. It underscores the importance of professionalism, restraint, and respect in all interactions, especially by those entrusted with public safety. As the investigation unfolds, justice must be served, lessons must be learned, and steps must be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur, thereby reinforcing public trust in the security forces and upholding the dignity of all individuals.
