'No formal communication seeking his arrest': Rapper Badshah performs in UP's Moradabad despite FIR, raids amid row over song 'Tateeree'

BAREILLY: Rapper Badshah, alias Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, performed to a packed house in Moradabad on Sunday under police escort, while police later used mild force to disperse crowds outside the venue.

Although arrest warrants were issued against the singer in Haryana over his song 'Tateeree', Moradabad SSP Satpal Antil told TOI that no formal communication seeking his arrest had been received. On Friday, Haryana State Commission for Women chairperson Renu Bhatia directed police in Panipat and Panchkula to arrest the singer after he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing in connection with the song. Alongside the arrest order, Panchkula police began the process for a look-out circular to prevent him from leaving the country.

Multiple FIRs were filed over the song in districts including Panchkula, Jind and Panipat, mainly under the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act and BNS section 296 (obscene acts and songs). His legal representatives said he could not attend the Women's Commission hearing because of prior professional commitments and security concerns. In Moradabad, several students bought tickets priced at Rs 3,000 for the event, but some alleged mismanagement after being unable to enter or properly access the programme.

A student outside the university's main gate said there had been disorder and that the money spent on the ticket had gone to waste. As the crowd outside swelled, police used mild force to clear it. Antil said the situation worsened because students who had bought one pass brought along 3-4 friends, increasing pressure on the venue arrangements.

The row over 'Tateeree' began after allegations that the track contained vulgar lyrics, portrayed minor schoolgirls in a sexualised manner in its music video, and undermined local cultural values. The matter also drew attention in UP, where State Women's Commission vice-chairperson Aparna Yadav wrote to CM Yogi Adityanath seeking a ban on the rapper's stage shows in the state and strict legal action against him.

On March 7, Badshah shared a video statement on social media apologising and said the video had been removed from all platforms.