Kulwinder Kaur: The CISF Constable Who Slapped Kangana Ranaut
Kulwinder Kaur, a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable, has recently come under intense scrutiny after allegedly slapping Kangana Ranaut, the newly elected BJP Member of Parliament, at the Chandigarh airport. The incident has led to Kaur’s suspension and the initiation of a police case against her. Kaur claims that her actions were a reaction to a comment made by Ranaut during the farmers’ protests in 2020, which Kaur found deeply disrespectful.
In a viral video that has been widely circulated on social media, Kaur explains her motivation for the slap. She references a statement made by Ranaut in which the actor suggested that women participating in the farmers’ protests were paid ₹100 each to sit at the Delhi borders. Kaur, whose mother was involved in these protests, was particularly offended by this remark. In the video, Kaur is heard saying, “Kangana said the women were sitting in the farmers’ protests for ₹100. Will she go and sit there? My mother was sitting there and protesting when she made that remark.” This personal connection to the protests and her mother’s involvement appears to have been the catalyst for Kaur’s actions.
The CISF, responsible for security at airports, has responded to the incident by suspending Kaur and ordering a court of inquiry to investigate the matter further. According to officials, Kaur has been a member of the CISF since 2009 and has served with the aviation security group at the Chandigarh airport since 2021. Until now, she has had no record of vigilance inquiries or disciplinary actions against her. Her husband also works at the same airport, which underscores the close-knit nature of their professional and personal lives.
Kangana Ranaut, who has a reputation for her outspoken views, addressed the incident on social media. She expressed her concern over what she perceives as increasing “terrorism and extremism” in Punjab. Ranaut recounted the incident, stating, “As soon as I came out after the security check, the lady in the second cabin, a CISF security staff, came from the side, hit me on my face, and started abusing me. When I asked her why she did so, she said that she supports farmers’ protest.” Ranaut’s comments reflect her broader concerns about the political and social climate in Punjab, tying the incident to larger issues of security and extremism.
The backdrop to this confrontation lies in the nationwide farmers’ protests against the three farm laws introduced by the Indian government in 2020. During these protests, Kangana Ranaut posted a tweet about an elderly woman participating in the protests, suggesting she was “available for ₹100.” This tweet sparked widespread outrage and criticism, leading Ranaut to delete it. The comment was seen as dismissive and insulting to the protesters, many of whom were women and elderly individuals.
Rekha Sharma, the Chief of the National Commission for Women, has called for strict action against Kulwinder Kaur. Sharma emphasized the seriousness of the incident, particularly given that it involved a security personnel breaching their duty at an airport. She stated on X (formerly Twitter), “Strict action should be taken against the lady CISF personnel. We at @NCWIndia have taken up this matter with @CISFHQrs.” This response highlights the gravity with which the incident is being treated by national authorities.
Kulwinder Kaur’s actions and the subsequent fallout highlight the deep-seated emotions and tensions surrounding the farmers’ protests and the political statements made during that period. The incident also raises questions about the responsibilities and conduct of security personnel, particularly those tasked with protecting public figures and ensuring safety at critical infrastructure sites like airports. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what the long-term implications will be for both Kaur and Ranaut, as well as for the broader discourse on farmers’ rights and political expression in India.