The Hindu Business Line : Khan not singled out because of his name: US

NEW YORK: The United States on Sunday denied the allegations that Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was detained and questioned for two hours at the Newark airport or that the actor was singled out because of his name or Asian identity.

The allegations “happen to be incorrect,'' the spokesman of the US Customs and Border Protection here Elmer Camacho said. The spokesman said Mr Khan was inspected because his baggage had not arrived.

“His documents and papers were checked, which were found to be in correct order,'' Camacho told PTI. After a “normal'' check at the airport, Mr Khan was taken to a different room where he was waiting for his turn since many other people were already ther e. The entire process ended in one hour, the spokesman said.

The entire process, he said, was handled in a ."professional manner'' and there was no evidence of Mr Khan being pointed out because of his name or Asian identity. To a question on Mr Khan's contention that he was asked by immigration officials about hi s work in the US, the spokesman said “it's our policy not to discuss all specific (details) of any traveller''. However, when any travller enters the US, he or she is subjected to inspection, he added. - PTI

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