Haryana Police Initiates Look-Out Circular Against Rapper Badshah Over Controversial Song 'Tateeree'
In a significant development, Haryana Police on Saturday commenced the process to issue a look-out circular (LOC) against popular rapper Badshah, whose real name is Pratik Singh Sisodia, over the alleged indecent content of his recent song 'Tateeree'. This move aims to prevent the artist from leaving the country as authorities intensify efforts to trace and apprehend him.
Legal Actions and Platform Takedowns Underway
Simultaneously, Panchkula police have formally requested YouTube to remove the contentious song from its platform. Proceedings are actively underway to extend this takedown to other digital platforms as well, reflecting a coordinated crackdown on the dissemination of the material.
The controversy has escalated with the registration of two First Information Reports (FIRs). The cybercrime police station in Panchkula filed a case against the song and unidentified individuals, while Jind Police named Badshah directly in its FIR, following a complaint lodged by Haryana Roadways.
Badshah's Public Apology and Haryana State Commission for Women's Involvement
Hours before these legal actions, Badshah issued a public apology in a 1.26-minute video posted on social media from an undisclosed location. In the clip, he expressed remorse, stating, "I am seeing that a major part of the audience, especially our own, are hurt by the lyrics and a portion of the visual presentation. It hurt the sentiments of the people of Haryana. I belong to Haryana, and I had no intention to speak indecently about any woman or children. This lyric was not for women and children. Even then, if any part of my song has hurt sentiments, I apologise from the core of my heart and expect the people of Haryana to forgive me while treating me as their son."
Adding to the scrutiny, the Haryana State Commission for Women (HSCW) has summoned Badshah to appear on March 13, underscoring the broader societal concerns raised by the song's content.
Allegations of Unauthorized Use and Misrepresentation
Authorities have highlighted specific grievances related to the song. Haryana Roadways officials emphasized that using the department's name and buses without authorization constitutes a punishable offence. Rahul Jain, General Manager of Haryana Roadways, clarified, "We did not provide any bus for the shooting of the song," indicating that strict action is being sought against the singer for this violation.
In Panchkula, the FIR has been registered under Sections 3 and 4 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. Police allege that the video misrepresents the environment of school and education by showing girls in school uniforms discarding their bags and fleeing from studies, coupled with suggestive content. They further contend that the song includes offensive and objectionable references to women and girls, prompting legal recourse.
Expanded Investigation and Crew Questioning
Investigators are broadening their probe by planning to question members of the crew involved in shooting the music video. Particular focus will be on producers who coordinated logistics, such as arranging the bus and selecting filming locations, to ascertain their roles in the alleged violations.
This case underscores the ongoing tensions between artistic expression and legal boundaries in India, with authorities taking a firm stance against content deemed indecent or harmful to public sentiment.
