Parliament expresses shock over frisking of Kalam

NEW DELHI: Parliament on Tuesday expressed shock and anguish over frisking of former President A P J Abdul Kalam at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here by US-based Continental Airlines prompting the government to order an inquiry into the incident.

The entire Rajya Sabha including Deputy Chairman K Rehman Khan expressed anguish over the "humiliation" meted out to Kalam, whom members cutting across party lines described as the tallest figure and a national hero.

The issue of Kalam being frisked by the airlines at the embarkation point some time back when he was going to the US was raised by BJP's Prabhat Jha in the Upper House.

In the Lok Sabha, the issue was raised by Deputy Leader of the BJP Sushma Swaraj and seconded by Sharad Yadav (JD-U), who said this was not acceptable.

Responding to the concerns of members, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said the government has issued a show cause notice to the airlines for violating guidelines.

"Not only the preliminary inquiry has been ordered but we also have a preliminary report on the basis of which the Continental Airlines has been issued a show cause notice why action for wilful violation should not be taken", the Minister added.