Singer Diljit Dosanjh's Delhi concert that was initially denied permission due to security concerns has been given police nod after the organizers addressed the issues in several meetings.
The singer's concert, which is part of his Aura India Tour, will be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on October 30.
Delhi Police gave the nod after the organizer shared detailed security plans to address the issues raised by the police.
Why Was the Concert Permission Denied?
In a letter to ticketing partner BookMyShow, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, South District had said that the request to host Diljit Dosanjh's concert could not be approved due to specific threat inputs and security challenges during the festive season.
"The request to organize the event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi on 30th October 2023, cannot be approved due to specific threat inputs and additional security challenges during the festive season. In addition, other law and order issues have also been considered," read the letter.
However, the permission was later accorded after the organizers shared the details of the security plan with the police. ANI reported that the permission was given by Delhi Police on Friday.
Hoax Bomb Threat Emails Raised Concerns
The Delhi Police had received bomb threat emails at several schools across the city on October 15.
According to a senior Delhi Police official, one of the emails had threatened students not to attend Diljit Dosanjh's concert on October 30.
The hoax emails, which were reportedly sent by Khalistani terrorists, had also contained pro-Khalistani slogans.
Six schools, including The British School, Mount Carmel, Ahlcon International School and Ahlcon Public School, received the threatening emails.
AAP and BJP Clash Over the Decision
The decision to initially deny the permission to host the concert saw the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trading barbs over the issue.
AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the BJP government and Delhi Police were biased against Punjabis.
He said that Diljit Dosanjh was a farmer supporter and shared his criticism of police action against students.
Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra accused AAP of indulging in "petty politics".
He said that it was indeed surprising that AAP did not raise any objection when Dosanjh was performing at JLN Stadium on October 26 and 27, 2024.