Complaint filed against Om Puri in Andheri police station for ‘insulting Indian soldiers’

A complaint was filed against actor Om Puri in Andheri police station on Tuesday morning, following his recent television interview in which he allegedly insulted Indian soldiers.

When asked about the complaint, Mumbai Police PRO Ashok Dudhe said, “Andheri police station received application; enquiry is on.”

The actor has also been slammed by a section of the film fraternity for comments, which many say are ‘insulting to our martyred soldiers’.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit and veteran actor Anupam Kher came out against Om Puri after he told a TV channel that nobody forced soldiers to join the army and people should ask whether India and Pakistan should become Israel and Palestine.

During a debate on a TV channel on Monday, Om Puri said, “Did we force them to join the army? My father was also in the army… We are proud of them (soldiers)… I am asking you: Do you want India and Pakistan to become Israel and Palestine?

“I don’t give a damn to Salman Khan or some other Khan… Go to Modiji (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) and cancel their (Pakistani actors’) visas. Prepare 15-20 people as suicide bombers and send them to Pakistan.”

Reacting to his comment, Pandit tweeted: “Om Puriji, Pak artistes banned isn’t a solution, but show of solidarity to our martyrs. We can’t be lighting pyres while continuing to perform with them.”

Anupam also wrote that he respects Om a lot, but said watching him on the TV show and hearing his views related to Indian soldiers was ‘very sad’.

Actress Meerra Chopra wrote: “All respect lost for Om Puri! What a shame.”

Folk singer Malini Awasthi tweeted: “What a shame Om Puri! Heard him on TV and I couldn’t believe my ears. What a disgrace! Just lost all respect as an actor.”

Om Puri visited Pakistan in August to promote the Pakistani film ‘Actor in Law’, in which he plays a key role.

The interview during which Om Puri made the remarks