BENGALURU: Based on a criminal complaint filed by a Kannada activist, police Saturday registered an FIR against singer Sonu Nigam for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Kannadigas.
According to the complainant, A Dharmaraj, president of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, Bengaluru district unit, the incident took place on April 25 when Nigam was performing at a private college event in Hirandahalli, Bengaluru Rural. The FIR says when the audience demanded that he sing Kannada songs, Nigam replied, saying such attitude had resulted in the Pahalgam carnage.

Sonu Nigam hurt sentiments of Kannadigas: Bengaluru Rural SP
Police have booked Nigam under multiple sections and a notice will be issued to him, directing him to appear in person before the investigating officer.
“One of the audience members demanded the artiste perform Kannada songs. In reply, Sonu Nigam said, ‘Kannada, Kannada, Kannada. The same led to the Pahalgam incident‘. A video of his reaction has since gone viral,” the complaint said.
“The comment links the request for a Kannada song with terror activities. Nigam has insulted Kannada language and has matched Kannada culture with violence and intolerance. Such comments could provoke attacks on Kannadigas in other parts of the country,” the complaint further stated.
The Bengaluru Rural SP said: “We have carefully watched the video and found that the singer did hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas.”