Bengaluru Police Summon Sonu Nigam for Questioning

Singer Sonu Nigam is facing scrutiny from the Bengaluru rural police after making controversial remarks during a concert at East Point College of Engineering on April 25, 2025. The incident arose when Nigam linked a request for him to perform a Kannada song to a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which has led to significant backlash from audience members and pro-Kannada groups. Following the uproar, police have summoned the singer for questioning, and he has issued an apology regarding the situation.

Incident at the Concert

The controversy began when a small group of concertgoers began chanting for Nigam to sing a Kannada song. The singer, known for his extensive collection of Kannada music, reacted negatively to what he perceived as a “rude and threatening” demand. In his response, he referenced the tragic Pahalgam attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, suggesting that such aggressive demands reflect a divisive mindset. This comment quickly gained traction on social media, leading to widespread criticism for seemingly equating a cultural request with a violent act.

Legal Action and Complaints

In the aftermath of the concert, Dharmaraj A, the president of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada organization, filed a formal complaint against Nigam. The Avalahalli police subsequently registered a First Information Report (FIR) on May 3, 2025, citing sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita that address criminal intimidation and public mischief. The FIR alleges that Nigam’s comments were “objectionable and emotionally provocative,” claiming they insulted the Kannada-speaking community and incited animosity among different linguistic groups in Karnataka.

Police Investigation and Industry Response

C K Baba, the Superintendent of Police for Bengaluru Rural, confirmed that an inspector has been assigned to investigate the matter thoroughly. Nigam has been instructed to appear before the police within a week to address the allegations. Additionally, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has initiated a “non-cooperation” campaign against the singer, with its president stating that the organization will not collaborate with Nigam until he offers an unconditional apology to the people of Karnataka.

Sonu Nigam’s Clarification and Apology

In a detailed Instagram post on May 5, 2025, Nigam sought to clarify his remarks, emphasizing that his comments were aimed at a specific group rather than the entire Kannadiga community, which he described as “wonderful people.” He expressed his deep connection to Karnataka, noting that Kannada is his “second language” in his professional career and that he has consistently included Kannada songs in his performances. Nigam also expressed his discontent with being “misjudged” and reiterated his commitment to unity, stating that he is against divisions based on language, caste, or religion. He concluded his post with an apology for the misunderstanding caused by his comments.

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