Govt takes serious view of racist treatment to Shilpa

New Delhi, Jan 17 (UNI) Taking serious exception to the reported incident in which actress Shilpa Shetty was subjected to racist abuse at a British reality show, the Centre today said it would take an appropriate action in the matter.

''We condemn the incident as India has always opposed racism,'' Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma said, replying to a question at a press briefing here, adding ''We have asked for a report from the Indian High Commission and will take appropriate action in the matter.'' ''We take strong objection to the incident as it has happened in a foreign country,'' Mr Sharma said.

''We will get the details.'' ''We have always firmly rejected all forms of discrimination and racism,'' he pointed out, saying Mahatma Gandhi had begun his struggle against racism in South Africa.

According to media reports, Shilpa Shetty was subjected to racist abuse on the British reality show 'Celebrity Big Brother'. Over the past few days, fellow participatns in the show allegedly called Shilpa 'Dog', 'Paki' and other names.

On Tuesday, Leicester MP Keith Vaz moved a motion in the House of Commons against the alleged racist behaviour on the show.

The motion read, ''The House views with concern comments made about Shilpa Shetty by other housemates, believes that Big Brother has a role in preventing racist behaviour, regrets that these comments have been made and calls on the programme to take action to remind housemates that racist behaviour is unacceptable.'' UNI