Rajeev Shukla, the secretary of India's ruling Congress party and a friend of Khan's, told CNN that the actor called him from Newark, as well as Khan's secretary and family.

CNN: Bollywood actor detained at Newark airport

India is a close friend and partner of the United States.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefings

The Times of India said police accused her "of consuming alcohol with a male friend inside a car".

BBC: Indian media: Police violence

Back in the late 70's a close Family Friend was imprisoned in India without trial, because of her extremely tenuous link to a very dangerous criminal.

BBC: Campaigning journalist Paul Foot has died aged 66.