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LUDHIANA: In a troubling development, the Punjab chapter of Indian far-right political group Shiv Sena announced a cash reward of INR 100,000 for "anyone who slaps" Bollywood actor Aamir Khan over his recent remarks on 'intolerance' in India, said a report published on the Hindustan Times.
The bizarre announcement was made during a protest staged by Shiv Sena activists outside a hotel where Aamir Khan is staying for shooting his upcoming movie 'Dangal'.
Examine: Aamir Khan should go to Pakistan, says Shiv Sena leader
During the protest, Shiv Sena activists used derogatory language against the actor and burnt his photographs.
The report quoted Shiv Sena Punjab chairman Rajeev Tandon, who was leading the protesters, as saying: “Any person who slaps Aamir Khan would be rewarded Rs1 lakh (INR 100,000) by our organisation. This is important because no one living in our country should dare to say anything against India.”
“Anyone from the hotel staff to the crew can slap him and take the reward,” he was quoted as saying.
Aamir Khan's security was beefed up following the announcement by the Shiv Sena leader. The Hindustan Times quoted Ludhiana assistant commissioner of police Rupinder Kaur Saran as saying that a contingent of police had been deployed where the actor was staying, which was keeping a "close watch" on the situation.
Aamir Khan on Monday said that he has been "alarmed and shaken" by the number of incidents related to extremism in India.
The actor had to face the music for his remarks from Shiv Sena, with a senior leader of the hardline outfit saying Aamir should "go to Pakistan" if "he does not want to stay here."
He also faced a backlash on social media with Indian Twitter users criticising his statements in large numbers.
Aamir's Bollywood industry colleagues also chose sides on the issue with many top names slamming the actor for his remarks, directly or indirectly.
Later on Tuesday, a sedition case was filed against the popular actor in Kanpur for his "intolerant" and "anti-national" statement.
In response to the criticism, Aamir in a statement said he stands by his comments, adding that "neither I, nor my wife Kiran, have any intention of leaving the country,"
