Mon Feb 10 14:10:31 UTC 2025: ## Ed Sheeran’s Bengaluru Busking: Permissions Granted, Police Say No
**Bengaluru, India** – A viral video showing Bengaluru police halting a surprise impromptu performance by Ed Sheeran on Sunday sparked a controversy that highlights conflicting accounts of permission granted and the policing of public performances in the city.
Sheeran, currently in Bengaluru for a concert, took to Instagram to clarify that his team had obtained permission for the Church Street busking. However, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Bengaluru) Shekar T Tekkannanavar stated that he personally denied permission due to the street’s high traffic volume. He claims an event organizer sought permission, but the request was refused.
The incident saw police officers, reportedly unaware of Sheeran’s identity, stopping the performance, citing a lack of permits. This led to widespread criticism online, with many expressing disappointment at the police’s handling of the situation, especially after Sheeran’s clarification. Social media users questioned the police’s priorities, pointing out inconsistencies in enforcement against other unauthorized street vendors and highlighting the potential damage to the city’s global image. The incident has reignited a debate surrounding the regulation of public performances in Bengaluru.
First Piper 