Khan not singled out because of his name: US

The US today denied that Bollywood actor Shah Rukh 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, 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 said. 

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 singled 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.