A salon owner in Maharashtra's Vasai region found himself in police custody following a major public outcry over a song played in his establishment. The incident, which has sparked tensions, involved the playing of a controversial track containing pro-Pakistan slogans.
The Incident and Public Outrage
The episode unfolded on December 31 at a hair salon located in the Chinchoti area of Vasai East. According to reports, the song 'Kashmir Banega Pakistan' was streamed aloud via a Bluetooth speaker inside the shop. The loud playback attracted the attention of local residents, who quickly recorded a video of the occurrence.
The video rapidly circulated on social media platforms, fueling significant public anger. Protesting residents confronted the salon owner, Abdul Rahman Shah (25), at the scene. They argued that even if the song started accidentally, it continued for more than a minute, and Shah should have stopped it immediately upon recognizing the lyrics.
Police Action and Legal Charges
The situation escalated when police officers on routine patrol in the area also heard the song being played at high volume from the salon. Upon entering, they confirmed that Shah was playing the YouTube song on his speaker.
The police stated that the song's content was against India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity and had the potential to incite communal discord. Acting on a complaint filed by the patrolling officer, the Naigaon police registered a formal case on Thursday, January 3, 2026.
Shah was arrested under Section 197(1)(d) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to acts prejudicial to national integration. Authorities have emphasized that further investigation is ongoing to determine whether the act was deliberate and to check if similar content had been played previously.
Conflicting Claims and Ongoing Probe
While the accused, Abdul Rahman Shah, maintained in the viral video that the song was played accidentally, the local residents and police have challenged this claim. The police's official stance highlights the volume and nature of the content as key factors in their response.
This case adds to a series of recent incidents across states like Goa and Bengaluru where alleged pro-Pakistan slogans have led to legal action and detentions, reflecting heightened sensitivities around issues of national integrity.
The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the full context and intent behind the incident at the Vasai salon.
