67 songs removed; artistes urged to be responsible: Why is Haryana Police cracking down on music?

Haryana: In a major crackdown on content promoting crime, the Haryana Police have removed 67 songs from digital platforms that glorify gang lifestyle, weapons, and violence. The move is part of a larger, ongoing campaign targeting online material influencing youth towards criminal activity.

“The action taken against 67 songs is part of a larger campaign, and further strict action will continue,” Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Ajay Singhal said on Tuesday.

Although the police did not name the removed tracks, last year’s initiative had already identified songs that allegedly promote gun culture, incite hatred, and “glorify” violence. The crackdown scrutinised singers, social media platforms, and other content providers.

During an extensive investigation, the Special Task Force (STF) and cybercrime teams found that many songs were influencing young people, projecting gangsters as role models, and depicting a luxurious lifestyle associated with crime. “As a result, most of the content has either been removed or blocked,” the statement added.

Protecting youth from criminal influence

DGP Singhal described the action as a crucial step for society and the younger generation. “Our objective is not merely to stop criminal activities, but also to save young people from stepping into the world of crime,” he said.

He stressed that such songs create a misleading image of glamour around criminals. “Often, the families of the criminals also suffer because of their criminal activities,” he noted. Singhal reiterated the police’s firm policy: no platform will be allowed to host content that promotes crime culture.

The DGP also appealed to artists and content creators to act responsibly.

Engagement with creators and monitoring online activity

STF IG Satheesh Balan highlighted the growing influence of digital content on youth. “We have held discussions with singers, lyricists, and creators, advising them not to glorify violence, gangster elements, or weapons. Such content spreads fear, fuels criminal tendencies, and promotes insecurity in society,” he said.

Balan added that the STF and cyber teams are monitoring people who like or share posts of criminals online. Gangsters often use these platforms to recruit young people, pushing them toward destructive paths. The police aim to guide youth to use their talent for productive, nation-building activities rather than contributing to criminal ecosystems.

Dual approach against gang and terror networks

Alongside the digital crackdown, Haryana STF has made strides in dismantling the terror-gangster nexus operating with foreign handlers. Intelligence-based operations uncovered multiple modules using local networks to facilitate terror-linked activities.

The Haryana Police said their dual approach — targeting gang culture online while breaking terror-linked networks — is a milestone in strengthening internal security across the state.