A viral video of Congress leader Mateen Patel dancing with what appears to be a gun to the song "FA9LA" at a family wedding in Karnataka has ignited a police investigation and political uproar.
The footage, shared widely on social media, shows Patel, a close aide to Congress MLA MY Patil, at a resort event in Kalaburagi's Afzalpur. He is seen holding the object while performing, later posing with it.
Patel dismissed the controversy, insisting the item was a toy gun used in a family skit. "There was a program of my elder sister's daughter. There were members of our family in that program. In that resort, they gave me a role in a Dhurandhar film. By taking toys from home and being requested by my children, I went on stage and played a role. It's like a serial. It's a fake toy," he said.
He added that police had already inquired, verified the prop, and filed a report, calling the backlash a politicized overreaction to a private family affair.
Kalaburagi SP Sharanappa SD confirmed action: "In connection with one viral video which is circulating on social media, I have already initiated and issued instructions to the local police to verify in detail what are the weapons are being used in the reel which is being circulated and also in what context the viral video was made Definitely, there will be an action in connection with the concerned viral video."
Authorities have yet to confirm if it was a licensed firearm, imitation, or toy, or invoke any laws. The incident has reignited debates on public conduct by ruling party leaders.