MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has emphatically denied claims that he played any role in the release of eight Indian naval officers who were detained in Qatar on espionage charges. Khan’s statement comes in response to assertions by figures like Subramanian Swamy, who suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought Khan’s intervention due to his purported close ties with the Emir of Qatar.
In a statement released by his representatives, Shah Rukh Khan labeled any suggestions of his involvement as “unfounded.” The statement stressed that “the execution of this successful resolution solely rests with the Indian government officials.”
The issue gained traction after former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy attributed the officers’ release to Khan’s intervention. Khan’s denial puts to rest speculation surrounding his purported role in the high-profile diplomatic incident. The successful return of the naval officers is widely recognized as a victory for Indian diplomacy.