Police hunt rapper Badshah over ‘obscene’ Haryanvi song; video removed from YouTube

The Haryana Police have launched a manhunt for rapper Badshah over alleged objectionable lyrics and visuals in his recently released Haryanvi song Tateeree, conducting raids at multiple locations and initiating the process to issue a Look Out Circular (LOC) to prevent him from leaving the country.

The action comes a day after the Cyber Crime Police in Panchkula registered an FIR against the rapper — whose real name is Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia — following a complaint that the track contained vulgar and derogatory content. Authorities have also ensured that the music video has been removed from the singer’s official YouTube channel.

According to police, the case has been registered under Sections 3 and 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 and Section 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to obscene acts and songs. The complaint was filed by social activist Abhay Chaudhary, a resident of Chandimandir, who alleged that the track’s lyrics and visuals send a harmful message to society.

In an official statement, Haryana Police said a formal notice has been issued directing the rapper to appear before the Panchkula police immediately. Multiple teams have been deployed to track him down and conduct raids at possible locations.

“Taking a strict stance against the spread of objectionable content on social media and in songs, Haryana Police has initiated major action against singer Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, popularly known as Badshah,” the statement said.

Police added that notices have also been issued to remove the song and related videos from other social media platforms to curb the further spread of the content.

Rapper issues apology

Amid the controversy, Badshah issued a public apology in a video message posted on his Instagram account, saying he never intended to offend anyone.

The rapper said he was born and raised in Haryana and takes pride in his cultural roots.

“I am from Haryana. My language, food and lifestyle all reflect that identity. I am a proud Haryanvi,” he said. “I never intended to say anything objectionable about any woman or child from Haryana.”

Explaining the lyrical style of hip-hop, he said such expressions are often used to challenge rivals in the genre and are not meant to target women or minors.

“I have always tried to take Haryanvi language and culture to new heights. But if anyone has been hurt, I sincerely apologize. I hope you will forgive me, considering me the son of Haryana,” he said.

Police raise concerns over visuals

However, police officials said the music video depicts minor girls wearing school uniforms throwing away their school bags and appearing to run away from studies, which they described as inappropriate.

Authorities also objected to the use of the word “Badshala” in the song, saying it misrepresents the school environment and education system.

“The lyrics also contain objectionable and derogatory expressions towards women and girls,” the police statement said.

Police have warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone creating or sharing reels or videos promoting the controversial song on social media.

Investigators are also examining whether the video’s makers obtained proper permissions to shoot at what appears to be a government school premises and to use a Haryana Roadways bus from the Jind depot. If approvals were not taken, further legal action may follow.

Meanwhile, the Haryana State Commission for Women has summoned Badshah on March 13 to explain the content of the song.

Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda also criticized the video, saying the government has taken cognisance of the issue and that the depiction of schoolgirls and local culture in the song was “condemnable.”