May 03, 2025: Playback singer Sonu Nigam has been named in a First Information Report (FIR) for allegedly making controversial remarks against the Kannadiga community during a recent musical event in Bengaluru.
The FIR was filed following a complaint by Dharmaraj A, President of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike’s Bengaluru City District Unit, a pro-Kannada organization. According to the complaint, Nigam’s statements, made during a concert at East Point College of Engineering and Technology on April 25–26, were “objectionable and emotionally provocative”, allegedly hurting community sentiments and inciting inter-linguistic tension.
A section of the complaint reads:
“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.”
The complaint adds that a video of the statement has gone viral, sparking widespread outrage among Kannadigas.
Based on the allegations, Bengaluru police registered the FIR under Sections 351(2), 352(I), and 353 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, backlash against the singer has escalated on social media, with calls for a public apology and legal action.
No official statement from Sonu Nigam or his representatives had been released at the time of reporting.