Sonu Nigam Concert Row: KRV Asks Bengaluru Police to Deny Permission for October 24 Show
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The proposed Bengaluru concert of singer Sonu Nigam has come under renewed scrutiny after the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) reportedly asked city police to deny permission for the event scheduled for October 24, 2026. The organisation’s request follows a controversy connected to comments the singer allegedly made during a college programme in Bengaluru in April 2025.
What KRV has requested
Reports say KRV state president T. A. Narayana Gowda submitted a representation to the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner, seeking that permission for the concert be denied or revoked if it has already been granted. The group has warned of protests if the performance proceeds. The request is the organisation’s position; it does not by itself mean police have cancelled the concert.
The event has been reported as scheduled for October 24 at a venue on Thanisandra Main Road, with some reports identifying the Indian Mall of Bengaluru. Venue arrangements and the permit status should be checked with the organiser and authorities as the date approaches.
Background to the Kannada-language controversy
The dispute relates to an incident at a Bengaluru college programme in April 2025. A video from the event circulated online after an audience member repeatedly requested a Kannada song. In the footage and subsequent reports, Sonu Nigam objected to the way the request was made and made a remark that critics interpreted as linking language-related hostility with the Pahalgam terror attack. The comments triggered criticism from some Kannada-language groups and members of the public.
The singer’s remarks and the reaction to them have been discussed since the incident. It is important to distinguish the reported words, the interpretation placed on them by critics and the singer’s own explanation, if provided. A request to deny event permission is also distinct from a formal legal finding about the disputed statement.
What happens when a group objects to a concert?
Police and local authorities generally assess public events with reference to applicable permissions, venue arrangements, public order, crowd management and other legal requirements. A representation from an organisation can form part of the discussion, but the final decision rests with the competent authorities under the applicable rules. The concert should not be described as cancelled unless organisers or officials confirm that status.
Organisers may respond to the request, provide security or event details, or issue an update about the programme. Police could clarify whether an application has been approved, whether conditions apply or whether any decision is pending.
Why the issue has drawn attention
The controversy touches on language identity and public respect in Karnataka, where Kannada language and culture are important subjects of civic debate. At the same time, concerts involve ticket holders, event workers, venues and commercial commitments. Any decision about the programme is likely to be watched by fans as well as those concerned about the earlier remarks.
Social-media discussion can move quickly, but the reliable indicators will be an official police statement, an organiser’s announcement or a formal notice. Ticket holders should monitor the event’s official channels for any change to venue, timing or cancellation arrangements rather than relying solely on viral posts.
Latest position
As of reports published on October 14 and 15, KRV has asked police to deny or revoke permission and has warned of protests if the concert goes ahead. A confirmed official decision on the permit has not been established from those reports.
Bottom line: The Sonu Nigam concert remains the subject of a public dispute, but KRV’s request is not the same as a police ban. An official update will be needed to determine whether the October 24 show will proceed as planned.
