cops at work: Police check firangs' work permits on the sets of Kites yesterday

THE Goregaon police are investigating if foreign nationals working at the Filmistan set of Rakesh Roshan's production Kites have a valid work permit. 

Bunty Shrivastav, national head, The Temple of Human Dignity, a human rights organisation who had brought the matter to the police's attention, says there are around 40 such foreigners working with the Kites team.

"Sadly, the police have only taken the details of 15 foreign artists. They say they are too short-staffed, and that the case will be handed over to immigration authorities. Meanwhile, Indian junior artists are losing opportunities, and we are endangering national security by allowing foreigners to work on our soil without permits," Shrivastav said.

The investigating officer, Prahlad Godke of Goregaon police station, said, "We have taken statements from both parties. There were only 20 foreigners. We are not stopping the shooting."

Shami Saini, assistant producer, Kites, refuted Shrivastav's allegations. "There are 20 foreign artists here and all of them have permits. However, in the future, to avoid such publicity seekers, we may decide to shoot abroad. It is so much easier there," said Saini.