Nepal Army has been dragged into a controversy after one of its generals received Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

After a flood of complaints, the PMO has sought explanation from the Defence Ministry. A letter was sent to the ministry over the issue, Pradhinna Upadhyay, under-secretary at Hello Sarkar, told media.

Two Bollywood performers were invited for a charity show organised by the Nepal Army Wives Association. Malaika Arora, the other entertainer, was also received by senior officials from Nepal Army at the airport on Friday.

Defence Secretary Mahesh Dahal said a probe will be launched into the act of senior Army officers receiving the invitees.   

Several complaints were lodged at Hello Sarkar on Sunday over the “NA’s misuse for receiving the Bollywood stars”, said an officer at the Prime Minister’s Office who looks after public grievances.

According to a news report carried by the Kantipur daily on Sunday, Gen Samir Shahi had reached the airport in uniform to receive her.

Superstar of Nepali film industry Rajesh Hamal reacted that he felt “shattered” by the incident. “Nepal Army: The Pride of the Nation... But when I read today’s news my pride as a citizen has been shattered... as a humble artist of this nation I feel humiliated... If they had to receive the artists from abroad they should have done in plain clothes,” he posted his comment on Facebook.    

Sonakshi landed in Kathmandu on Friday noon to perform in a concert named ‘Amarpanchhi’ on Saturday evening at Tundhikhel, the Army’s parade ground.

The programme was organised by the association led by the wife of Chief of Army Staff Gen Rajendra Chhetri.