Pune: 14 Detained As Rumour of Pakistani Artist Sparks Protest Outside Ballr Pub In Kalyani Nagar
Pune: 14 Detained As Rumour of Pakistani Artist Sparks Protest Outside Ballr Pub In Kalyani Nagar
Pune, September 15, 2025: Pune Police detained 14 members of the Sakal Hindu Samaj on Sunday evening after a protest broke out outside Ballr pub in Kalyani Nagar over rumours surrounding an artist scheduled to perform at the venue. The group alleged that singer Imran Nasir Khan, who was invited for the event, was of Pakistani origin.
According to Senior Police Inspector Ravindra Shelke of Yerwada Police Station, the protest was sparked by misinformation circulating on social media. “A program by Imran Nasir Khan, an artist and Dutch citizen, was scheduled at Ballr pub. However, certain posts claimed he was a Pakistani singer. Acting on this information, several activists gathered at the venue and staged an agitation,” Shelke explained.
Despite police clarifying that Khan holds Dutch citizenship, the protesters persisted and attempted to stop guests from entering the establishment. This prompted police intervention to prevent any disruption to public order. Fourteen individuals were taken into custody for trying to obstruct citizens and creating unrest.
Authorities swiftly deployed additional police personnel around the pub to maintain security and ensure the situation did not escalate. “We acted immediately to control the situation. Adequate force was stationed at the site, and the situation was controlled,” Shelke added.
The incident highlights how quickly rumours spread on social media can escalate into public confrontations. While the artist in question was not Pakistani, the misinformation was enough to trigger a protest that required police action.
Pune Police have urged citizens to verify facts before reacting to online claims, emphasizing that spreading or acting upon unverified information can lead to unnecessary tension and law-and-order challenges.
