Fresh Trouble for Munawar Faruqui: Right-Wing Group Demands Ban on April 18 Bengaluru Show
Bengaluru, April 16, 2026 — Stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui’s upcoming show in Bengaluru has hit a familiar roadblock. A right-wing organization, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, has formally urged the city’s police to deny permission for Faruqui’s stand-up special, titled ‘Dhandho,’ scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 18.
The group is demanding the cancellation of the event, citing the comedian’s past controversies and alleging that his performance could trigger law and order issues and disrupt public harmony.
The Demand for Cancellation
In a representation submitted to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner on Thursday, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti claimed that Faruqui’s previous performances had drawn multiple complaints nationwide. The group expressed concerns that allowing the show to proceed could “hurt public sentiments” in the city.
To bolster their demand, the organization referenced a highly publicized 2021 case registered in Indore, where Faruqui was arrested and booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. He was later granted bail by the Supreme Court. The Samiti also highlighted that Faruqui’s shows have previously faced fierce objections or outright cancellations in several major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Hyderabad.
“Carefully assess the situation,” the Samiti urged the police, calling for preventive measures to safeguard law and order and ensure harmony among all sections of society, even if it means canceling the event.
Police Response and Past Cancellations
Despite the group’s claims of submitting the representation, Bengaluru police officials stated that they have not yet received the formal request. However, authorities assured that the jurisdictional police would thoroughly examine the matter once the petition is officially submitted.
This is not the first time Faruqui has faced stiff resistance in Bengaluru. His performances have a history of disruptions in the city. In November 2021, his show was called off following similar objections from right-wing groups who raised concerns over potential law and order threats. Less than a year later, in August 2022, another scheduled performance titled ‘Dongri to Nowhere’ was abruptly canceled. At the time, police officials cited a lack of prior permission obtained by the organizers, though the cancellation coincided with complaints alleging objectionable content.
With April 18 rapidly approaching, further developments regarding the fate of the ‘Dhandho’ show are awaited as the police evaluate the situation.
