Superstar Shahrukh Khan was detained for about two hours early Saturday morning (around 1am IST) at Newark airport in the US because his
surname featured on the most common list. The actor, who is visiting the US to attend a South Asian event where he was the guest of honour was released after Congress MP Rajiv Shukla spoke to the authorities in the US and the Indian counsulate.
The actor was detained after his name flashed on the computer. He was asked several questions about the purpose of his visit. His hand baggage was checked. He was not allowed to even make a phone call for nearly an hour.
Speaking to TOI, the actor said: "I told them I was a movie star and had recently visited the country for the shooting of my film. Nothing seemed to convince the immigration officer. There were other immigration officers who even vouched for me but this particular officer did not listen to anyone. I even told them I had an invitation from the South Asian community and was there to attend an event.'' Shahrukh is to return to India on August 18.
Shukla, who came to the actor's rescue condemned this act saying, "It is really not fair. Just because he has a common surname does not mean that every Muslim can be taken as a suspect or considered to be a terrorist. The Amercian authorities should adopt a methodology so that well-known names like Shahrukh Khan and APJ Abdul Kalam are not harassed like this. They should focus on getting the actual suspects.''
Source: TimesofIndia
surname featured on the most common list. The actor, who is visiting the US to attend a South Asian event where he was the guest of honour was released after Congress MP Rajiv Shukla spoke to the authorities in the US and the Indian counsulate.
The actor was detained after his name flashed on the computer. He was asked several questions about the purpose of his visit. His hand baggage was checked. He was not allowed to even make a phone call for nearly an hour.
Speaking to TOI, the actor said: "I told them I was a movie star and had recently visited the country for the shooting of my film. Nothing seemed to convince the immigration officer. There were other immigration officers who even vouched for me but this particular officer did not listen to anyone. I even told them I had an invitation from the South Asian community and was there to attend an event.'' Shahrukh is to return to India on August 18.
Shukla, who came to the actor's rescue condemned this act saying, "It is really not fair. Just because he has a common surname does not mean that every Muslim can be taken as a suspect or considered to be a terrorist. The Amercian authorities should adopt a methodology so that well-known names like Shahrukh Khan and APJ Abdul Kalam are not harassed like this. They should focus on getting the actual suspects.''
Source: TimesofIndia
Shahrukh Khan, I heard your interview on headlines today. I think you are right that every muslim can not be taken as a suspect or consider to be a terrorist. But after hearing your interview I felt that you felt humilitaed and your ego also heart. But Listen This is security of a nation, those people are protecting not one or two person but whole nation. If some one's name come there in the computer they have full right to do all the enquires to protect US. Some time in domestic flight amercian get scanned. And fact is after 9/11 there is no terror act in the US. All the american people do not know bollywood actors. So I do not think you should make this as a big issue. Take it easy and enjoy your visit.
ReplyDeleteMedia people and my dear politician, ---- This is US not India where terror is every day thing. People in US take their job seriously and there is no difference between Hollywood or Bolloywood and general public.
ReplyDeleteSo cool down, learn good things and protect INDIA.
Happy Independence Day