Sonu Nigam’s Statements Cause Controversy in Karnataka
A complaint has been lodged against renowned singer Sonu Nigam for allegedly making objectionable and emotionally provocative statements during a musical event held on April 25-26 at East Point College of Engineering and Technology, Virgonagar, Bengaluru. The complaint was filed by Dharmaraj A., President of the Bengaluru City District Unit of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a pro-Kannada organization.
The complaint states that Sonu Nigam’s 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 Sonu Nigam’s statement has gone viral, causing widespread outrage among millions of Kannadigas across the state.
On April 25-26, during a musical event at East Point College, a student requested Sonu Nigam to sing a Kannada song. In response, Nigam made an objectionable statement, saying, "Kannada, Kannada, Kannada, this is exactly why the incident happened in Pahalgam." He referenced the terrorist attack that occurred in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, where 26 tourists were killed. By linking a simple request to sing a Kannada song to a terrorist act, Nigam insulted the Kannadiga community and equated their cultural pride and linguistic identity with violence and intolerance.
The complaint further states that Sonu Nigam’s statements are objectionable, divisive, and harmful to communal harmony. They violate the following sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023:
- Section 352(1) for promoting enmity
- Section 351(2) for criminal defamation
- Section 353 for outraging linguistic sentiments
The complaint requests that a complaint be registered against Sonu Nigam under these sections and that appropriate legal action be taken. It also urges the police to thoroughly investigate the incident, collect video evidence from the event, and record statements from witnesses present at East Point College on April 30, 2025.
Kannadigas and Kannada cinema artists are outraged against Sonu Nigam on social media. Pro-Kannada organizations have demanded that he apologize. The insistence on banning him has also been heard. Some fans have suggested that he should be given one more chance to apologize instead of being banned.
Reference : https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-sonu-nigam-links-request-to-sing-a-kannada-song-to-pahalgam-attack-kannadiga-community-files-complaint-3149225
