Sultan not Dabangg enough to face panel?

The Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW) yesterday issued fresh summons against Bollywood actor Salman Khan after he failed to appear before it yesterday for the second time to clarify his rape remarks.

MSCW chief Vijaya Rahatkar during the press meet. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

The ‘Dabangg' star has been asked to appear before the body on July 14.

"Today (Thursday), Salman was asked to come for the hearing at 4.30 pm. However, he didn't appear, nor did his lawyer. But we received a letter from his side where he said that since he has been summoned by NCW (National Commission for Women) too, there should be no duplicity," said MSCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar told reporters.

"We have not accepted this (the letter). Earlier too, we had asked him to come, or be present with a lawyer. We have again called him, and have issued third summons," she added.

The MSCW had issued summons on June 29 asking the actor to appear before it yesterday, which happens to be Eid, to explain his position over the rape analogy he had used while talking about the gruelling shooting schedule of his film ‘Sultan' in which he plays a wrestler. Rahatkar said the commission is not happy with Salman's response.

"We are not at all happy. We won't accept it. We have concurrent power here. So the proceedings will go on in front of us," she said.

On June 22, the MSCW had issued a notice asking Salman to present before it on June 29.