Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 5: Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara on Monday said that appropriate legal action will be taken against noted playback singer Sonu Nigam for his controversial statement allegedly linking a demand for a Kannada song to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, HM Parameshwara stated, “The police will take appropriate action against Sonu Nigam. The case has been registered, and officials will proceed with necessary steps.” The minister added that any further comment from his side would be viewed as the official stance of the government.
The FIR against the singer was registered by Avalahalli Police on Saturday following protests by several Kannada organisations. They accused Nigam of making insensitive remarks and demanded an unconditional apology. The FIR cites Sections 351(2), 352, and 352(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for criminal intimidation, inciting public mischief, and intentional insult.
Meanwhile, Parameshwara also addressed other issues, confirming that verification is underway to identify Pakistani nationals residing in Karnataka. “Those identified will be deported.
Currently, 6 to 7 Pakistani nationals are under verification,” he said.
Regarding the murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty in Mangaluru and the rise in online threat messages, the minister said he has instructed ADGP (Law and Order) to take immediate action against those issuing threats on social media.
On referring to Suhas Shetty as a rowdy sheeter, Parameshwara clarified, “Anyone booked under certain legal provisions is classified as a rowdy, regardless of political affiliation.”
Reacting to BJP’s claim that the FIR against MLA Harish Poonja was politically motivated, Parameshwara said FIRs are filed based on violations of the law, not politics. On the alleged honey trap case involving Minister K N Rajanna, he said the investigation will proceed based on Rajanna’s statement.
When asked about BJP leader D V Sadananda Gowda’s demand to bring in the Uttar Pradesh-style bulldozer model, the minister curtly responded, “I don’t know.”