14 protesters detained in Pune after opposing a hotel event over suspicion of a Pakistani artist.
The performer, a Netherlands citizen, was falsely rumoured on social media to be Pakistani.
Police clarified the facts and brought the situation under control without any untoward incident.
Pune, 15 September 2025: Tension erupted in Pune’s Kalyaninagar area after a social media rumour claimed that an artist performing at a local hotel was a Pakistani citizen. Around 14 protesters were detained by Vishrantwadi police for attempting to block people from attending the event.
The show, featuring Netherlands-based artist Imran Nasir Khan, was scheduled at Hotel Ballr on Sunday evening. Ahead of the performance, posts on social media falsely alleged that Khan was from Pakistan, prompting members of a few organisations to gather outside the venue and oppose the event.
Police officers on the spot explained to the protesters that Khan holds Dutch citizenship. Despite repeated appeals, some agitators continued their demonstration, leading the police to detain 14 individuals to prevent disruption.
Senior Inspector Ravindra Shelke of Yerawada Police Station said adequate security was deployed and the situation was swiftly brought under control. No untoward incident was reported, and the event proceeded safely.