Uma Shanti, a well-known Ukrainian singer and the lead vocalist of the band Shanti People, has been booked for allegedly disrespecting India’s national flag during a concert held at a club in Pune’s Mundhwa. The incident occurred on Sunday night and was captured on video, which later went viral on social media platforms.
The FIR was filed by Havaldar Tanaji Deshmukh at the Mundhwa Police Station after the video of the alleged act gained widespread attention. Senior police inspector Vishnu Tamhane confirmed that legal action had been initiated against both Uma Shanti and the event organizer, Kartik Morein.
According to the FIR, Uma Shanti was seen dancing on stage while holding the tricolour flag in both her hands. Later in the performance, she reportedly threw the flags into the audience. This act was deemed disrespectful to the national flag of India, prompting the legal action.
The Ukrainian band Shanti People was on an India tour, having already performed in Bangalore and Bhopal earlier in the same week. The Pune concert marked their second appearance in the city, the first being in October 2022.
The incident has sparked discussions about respecting national symbols and cultural sensitivities, especially in public performances. The legal proceedings will shed light on whether the actions of Uma Shanti indeed constituted an insult to the tricolour and whether any legal consequences will follow.
As the legal process unfolds, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and honoring the national symbols and sentiments of the host country during performances and events.
