Outrage in Karnataka as Sonu Nigam Faces Complaint for Allegedly Hurting Kannadiga Sentiments

Renowned singer Sonu Nigam has come under fire in Karnataka after a police complaint was filed against him for allegedly making statements that hurt the sentiments of the Kannadiga community during a recent musical performance in Bengaluru. The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with pro-Kannada groups and artists calling for an apology.

The complaint was lodged by Dharmaraj A., President of the Bengaluru City District Unit of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a pro-Kannada organization. It accuses Nigam of making “objectionable and emotionally provocative” remarks during a concert held on April 25–26 at East Point College of Engineering and Technology in Virgonagar.

According to the complaint, the controversy began when a student at the event requested Sonu Nigam to sing a Kannada song. In response, the singer allegedly remarked, “Kannada, Kannada, Kannada, this is exactly why the incident happened in Pahalgam”—a reference to the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 tourists lost their lives. The remark, now circulating widely on video, has been perceived by many as equating Kannada pride with violence.

Dharmaraj stated that such a comparison insulted the Kannadiga community and could incite linguistic tensions in the state. “By linking a cultural request to terrorism, Mr. Nigam has portrayed Kannadigas as intolerant or violent,” he said, emphasizing that this misrepresentation could damage Karnataka’s long-standing reputation for diversity and harmony.

The complaint urges the police to take legal action against Nigam under sections 351(2), 352(1), and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for promoting enmity, defamation, and hurting linguistic sentiments. It also calls for an investigation into the video evidence and statements from witnesses present at the event.

As the video continues to gain traction online, pro-Kannada voices—including film industry figures—have demanded that Sonu Nigam issue a public apology for his remarks.

News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.