Police deny permission for Munawar Faruqui stand-up show in Bengaluru, Faruqui hints at quitting the space

The city police’s move has come under severe criticism by human rights activists in the city

City Police have “advised” organisers of a stand-up show featuring comic which scheduled to be held on the evening of November 28 that they “should cancel the show”, as several groups are opposed to the show and this “could create chaos and could disturb the public peace and harmony, which may further lead to law and order problems”. The police issued the letter on the night of November 27, hours before the show.

Munawar Faruqui who had come to the city for the show left on the morning of November 28, after posting a statement on his social media handles, probably indicating he was quitting the space. Lamenting on how he was jailed for a joke he did not do and 12 shows being cancelled in the last two months because of threats to venue and audience, he wrote — “I think this is the end. My name is Munawar Faruqui and that’s been my time, you guys were a wonderful audience. Goodbye! I am done”. Organisers of the Sunday event said Mr. Faruqui felt dejected at how he is being systematically targeted and “probably quit comedy”. Mr. Faruqui was himself not available for further comment.