Sonu Nigam Booked for Alleged Anti-Kannada Remarks; Bengaluru Police Issue Notice Amid Protests

May 5, 2025: Playback singer Sonu Nigam has been served a notice by the Bengaluru District Police and asked to appear before investigators within a week, following an FIR filed on May 3 for allegedly making provocative remarks about the Kannadiga community during a music event in Bengaluru Rural District.

The complaint, filed by Dharmaraj A, President of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Bengaluru City District Unit), accuses Nigam of delivering “objectionable and emotionally provocative” statements that could incite hatred among linguistic communities in the state. The FIR cites Sections 351(2), 352(1), and 353 of the IPC.

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The controversy erupted after a viral video showed Nigam responding on stage to a group of audience members allegedly demanding he sing in Kannada. The Kannada pro-rights group also staged a protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru condemning Nigam’s comments.

Nigam has since denied any malicious intent, stating he was reacting to a disruption caused by a handful of individuals during his performance. In a video posted to Instagram, he said:

“There were only 4–5 goons who were shouting… Thousands of people were stopping them. It was important to remind them that no one asked for the language during the Pahalgam incident. Kannadigas are very nice people. There are always a few bad people everywhere.”

As the situation escalates, all eyes are now on how Nigam will respond to the police notice and whether formal charges will follow.