Kulwinder Kaur, a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable, made headlines after allegedly slapping the newly elected BJP MP Kangana Ranaut at the Chandigarh airport in June 2024. The incident reportedly stemmed from Ranaut’s remarks during the 2020 farmers’ protests.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Kulwinder Kaur hails from Sultanpur Lodhi in Punjab. Her family has strong ties to farming, with her mother actively participating in the farmers’ protests and her brother, Sher Singh, serving as a leader and organization secretary of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee. Kaur’s husband is also a personnel with the CISF, and they have two children.
CAREER
Kulwinder joined the CISF in 2009 and has been with the aviation security group at Chandigarh Airport since 2021. She has had a commendable record with no previous vigilance inquiries or punishments against her until the recent incident.
THE INCIDENT
On June 6, 2024, Kulwinder Kaur was involved in an altercation with Kangana Ranaut at the Chandigarh airport. The confrontation occurred after Ranaut’s controversial comments on Punjabi women who were part of the farmers’ protest. Ranaut had previously posted a tweet during the protests, stating that women were being paid ₹100 each to participate, which sparked significant outrage. Kulwinder, whose mother was among the protesters, confronted Ranaut and allegedly slapped her, citing disrespect towards farmers and their families.
SUSPENSION AND INVESTIGATION
Following the incident, Kulwinder Kaur was suspended with immediate effect. The CISF has initiated a court of inquiry to investigate the matter thoroughly. Kulwinder has been detained, and a police case has been filed against her. The National Commission for Women has also called for strict action against her, emphasizing the seriousness of the breach of security at the airport.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
In a viral video following the incident, Kulwinder expressed her frustration, stating, “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.” Her reaction underscores the deep personal and familial connection to the farmers’ protests and the perceived insult from Ranaut’s comments.
Kulwinder Kaur’s actions have sparked a significant debate about respect for farmers and the role of security personnel. Despite the immediate suspension and pending investigation, her story highlights the tensions surrounding the farmers’ protests and the personal impacts of public figures’ comments on those involved.
