Sonu Nigam Faces Legal Complaint Over Remark Linking Kannada Song Demand to Pahalgam Terror Attack

The President of the Bengaluru city district unit of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a pro-Kannada organisation, filed a police complaint against singer Sonu Nigam.

The complaint was filed against the renowned singer for allegedly making objectionable and inflammatory remarks during a musical event.

Source : Instagram/@sonunigamofficial

The President of the Bengaluru city district unit of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a pro-Kannada organisation, filed a police complaint against singer Sonu Nigam, accusing him of hurting the sentiments of the Kannadiga community, inciting hatred among linguistic groups in Karnataka, and potentially inciting violence.

FIR filed against Sonu Nigam

The complaint was filed against the renowned singer for allegedly making objectionable and inflammatory remarks during a musical event held on April 25-26 at East Point College of Engineering and Technology, Virgonagar, Bengaluru.

"This complaint is lodged against the renowned singer Shri Sonu Nigam for 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, which falls under your police station's jurisdiction. 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. A video of Shri Sonu Nigam's statement has gone viral, causing widespread outrage among millions of Kannadigas across the state," reads the complaint.

"On April 25, 26, during a musical event at East Point College, it is reported that 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 said.

Sonu Nigam concert controversy

The controversy erupted when a fan in the audience asked Sonu Nigam to sing a Kannada song. Perceiving the request as disrespectful, the singer reacted sharply on stage, stating, “This is why the Pahalgam attack happened — for such kind of an attitude. At least see who is in front of you before making such demands.”

Sonu Nigam's comparison to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, sparked widespread criticism for being insensitive and unnecessary. His comments led to outrage on social media and among local Kannada groups.