Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India]: A First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam over alleged remarks made during a music event in Bengaluru that are claimed to have hurt the sentiments of the Kannadiga community.
The FIR was filed following a complaint by Dharmaraj A, President of the Bengaluru City District Unit of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada group. The complaint claims that Nigam made “objectionable and emotionally provocative” statements during a live performance held at East Point College of Engineering and Technology, Virgonagar on April 25 and 26.
“This complaint is lodged against the renowned singer Shri Sonu Nigam for making objectionable and emotionally provocative statements during a musical event held on April 25 and 26, at East Point College of Engineering and Technology, Virgonagar, Bengaluru, which falls under your police station’s jurisdiction. His statements have deeply hurt the sentiments of the Kannadiga community, incited hatred among various linguistic communities in Karnataka, and are likely to provoke violence. A video of Shri Sonu Nigam’s statement has gone viral, causing widespread outrage among millions of Kannadigas across the state,” the complaint reads.
According to the police, the FIR has been registered under Sections 351(2), 352(I), and 353 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Authorities have confirmed that an investigation is currently underway.
The controversial remarks were allegedly made on stage and were captured in a video that has since gone viral on social media, sparking widespread backlash and emotional reactions across Karnataka.
Several users on various platforms have expressed outrage, calling for an official apology and legal action.