Pune, 17th August 2023: Ukrainian singer Uma Shanti has extended an apology for her alleged disrespect towards India’s national flag during a concert held at a Pune club on August 13. Meanwhile, the club located in Mundhwa remains closed following the incident, as protests led by various political parties continue to take place at the site.
In an Instagram story, Uma Shanti expressed remorse, saying, “I want to apologize because I love India. I know what Independence means, I didn’t mean anything wrong.”
The incident led to an FIR being filed against both Uma Shanti and the event organizer, Kartik More, after a video of the act went viral on social media on August 14. The incident occurred during a pre-Independence Day stage performance at Freq Superclub on North Road at Koregaon Park Annexe in Mundhwa. During the show, Uma Shanti, the lead performer of the Ukrainian band Shanti People, was seen dancing with two Indian national flags in her hands, which she later threw towards the audience. The video of the incident spread on social media platforms, prompting Constable Tanaji Deshmukh to file an FIR on behalf of the police.
Political outrage ensued, with members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha staging a protest at the club premises, demanding an apology from the club owner and asserting that they would not allow the club to operate until the apology was made.
Omkar Kedari, the general secretary of Yuva Morcha, stated, “We forced the hotel to shut down on Wednesday, and it still is closed. The DJ has made a public apology but we will let the hotel run unless the police take serious action against the organiser of the function and the hotel owner.”
Kedari emphasized that this incident should serve as a lesson to all pub operators in the city and should contribute to the halt of any illegal activities within such establishments. He pointed out that the protest aimed to address the lack of significant police action against the offenders.
Pune city police have revealed their intention to file a chargesheet against Uma Shanti, also known as Jiapiha Larina, and the event organizer Kartik More under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Notices have already been issued to both individuals in connection with the offense registered against them at Mundhwa police station.
Assistant Inspector Sandeep Jore of the Mundhwa police station explained that due to the provision’s maximum sentence being three years, the individuals have not been arrested. Instead, a chargesheet is being prepared and will be submitted to the court soon. The club has reportedly remained non-operational since the incident, with various political organizations conducting protests on the premises.
