Khan not singled out because of his name: US

New York, Aug 16 (PTI) The US Saturday denied that
Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan was detained and questioned
for two hours at the Newark airport or singled out because of
his name, saying it was a "normal" check which was handled in
a "professional manner".

The allegations "happen to be incorrect," said Elmer
Camacho said, the spokesman of the US Customs and Border
Protection here.

He was reacting to the 43-year-old actor's statement
that he was detained and questioned at Newark airport by US
immigration officials for two hours yesterday after his name
matched with some of those on a common checklist, sparking
angry reactions back home. Khan was let off at the
intervention of Indian Consulate officials.

However, Camacho said Khan was inspected because his
baggage had not arrived.

Part of the inspection process is to examine the baggage
however his bags were not available due to the airline not
loading them on the flight he arrived on, the spokesman said.
That is why his inspection took longer, the airline could not
provide his bags for inspection, he said.

"His documents and papers were checked, which were found
to be in correct order," Camacho told PTI.

After a "normal" check at the airport, Khan was taken to
a different room where he was waiting for his turn since many
other people were already there, the spokesman said. "The
entire process ended in a little over one hour," he said.

The procedure, he said, was handled in a "professional
manner" and there was no evidence of Khan being pointed out
because of his name or Asian identity.

To a question on Khan's contention that he was asked by
immigration officials about his work in the US, the spokesman
said "it's our policy not to discuss all specific (details) of
any traveller". However, when any traveller enters the US, he
or she is subjected to inspection, he added. PTI LKJ
DDC
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