Cultural event turns controversial: Pune students face FIR over ‘Naxal praise’ performance

A college cultural event in Pune has unexpectedly turned into a legal controversy, after two undergraduate students were booked for allegedly performing to a song that glorifies slain Naxal leader Madvi Hidma .

The incident dates back to April 11 , when a cultural programme was organised at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Government Hostel for Boys in Vishrantwadi. What appeared to be a routine student performance soon drew attention after a video surfaced on social media , showing the duo dancing to a track titled ‘O Re Bandook Wale’ , a song police claim praises Hidma.

The video quickly triggered objections, particularly from right-wing groups , prompting the police to initiate an inquiry. After verifying the footage and conducting a preliminary investigation, authorities registered an FIR against the two students, aged 22 and 23 , both hailing from Gadchiroli , a region historically affected by Naxal activity.

Police officials stated that the act was not merely a performance but could have serious implications , as it allegedly involved content linked to a senior commander of the banned CPI (Maoist) and its armed wing, the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army .“Such acts can potentially impact national integration and sovereignty ,” a police officer noted, underlining the gravity of the case.

The students have been booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including promoting enmity , public mischief , and common intention .

Meanwhile, hostel authorities attempted to downplay the incident , stating that the students had chosen the song “inadvertently,” drawn only by its rhythm and beats, without fully understanding its background.

However, the explanation has done little to ease the situation, as the case now highlights a larger question around awareness, intent, and responsibility in public performances, especially when they intersect with sensitive national security concerns.

The matter remains under investigation.