Bollywood star kid Aryan Khan finds himself embroiled in a fresh controversy, with a police complaint filed against him for allegedly making an obscene hand gesture at a public event in Bengaluru. However, fellow actor Zaid Khan has now stepped forward to defend him, claiming the incident has been grossly misunderstood.
The Incident and the Police Complaint
The controversy stems from an event at a Bengaluru pub on November 28. A complaint was subsequently filed by Advocate Owaiz Hussain S, seeking the registration of an FIR against Aryan Khan, son of superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
The complainant alleged that Aryan intentionally showed his middle finger towards the crowd. It was further claimed that several women were present at the venue and the act insulted their modesty, potentially attracting provisions under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complaint also cited allegations of obscene acts in public and conduct likely to cause public disorder.
Zaid Khan's Eyewitness Account
Actor Zaid Khan, son of politician Zameer Ahmed, who was present at the event, has provided a crucial counter-narrative. Speaking to the media in Bellary, Zaid explained that the situation arose due to an unmanageably large crowd that exceeded expectations.
"Aryan had messaged me saying he was coming to Bengaluru, so we attended the opening ceremony together," Zaid shared, detailing his friendship with Aryan. He stated that Aryan was concerned about handling the crowd, prompting his manager to go downstairs to disperse people.
A Gesture Misinterpreted
Zaid Khan's core defence hinges on the context of the gesture. "His manager did not return for quite some time, so both Aryan and I stepped onto the balcony to assess the situation," Zaid recounted. "It was then that he gestured to his friend-cum-manager. He did not show any gesture to the people. It has been taken out of context."
He vehemently reiterated that the gesture was directed solely at Aryan's manager and was not aimed at the crowd or, specifically, Kannadigas. Zaid labelled the entire episode a simple misunderstanding amplified by the chaotic environment.
Broader Implications and Fallout
The legal complaint, submitted to authorities including the DGP, the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner, and the Karnataka State Women's Commission, argues that the incident caused public discomfort and embarrassment. It also stated that the event portrayed Bengaluru in a poor light, tarnishing its image as a safe and dignified public space.
With Zaid Khan's public intervention, the narrative now presents two starkly different versions: one of a deliberate obscene act and another of a private signal misinterpreted by the public. The defence aims to contextualise Aryan Khan's actions within the private dynamics between him and his manager, attempting to separate it from any perceived public insult.
As the police consider the complaint, this eyew testimony from a fellow attendee adds a significant layer to the story, potentially influencing how the event is perceived legally and in the court of public opinion.
