Pune, April 3
The Pune district child protection officer Mangesh Jadhav has written to city Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, raising concerns over songs by rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh, alleging that they “glorify alcohol, drugs and gun culture”.
In his letter sent on Thursday, Jadhav urged the police to ensure that content performed during Singh’s programmes remains “appropriate, socially responsible and in conformity with child protection principles and statutory safeguards”.
The letter followed a complaint submitted to the Maharashtra Women and Child Development Department by Dr Punditrao Dharenavar from Chandigarh.
Jadhav cited several songs by the rapper, including One Bottle Down, Char Bottle Vodka, Manali Trance, Makhna, Goliyan and Millionaire, claiming they promote substance abuse and violence. He also expressed concern that minors are allowed to attend the rapper’s live concerts, which could negatively impact their mental health.
The officer further alleged that Singh used “vulgar language” during a performance in Mumbai on March 28, referring to his ‘My Story’ tour where he performed tracks such as “Millionaire”, Desi Kalakar, Mafia Mundeer and Dope Shope.
In a related development, the Delhi High Court on Thursday took strong exception to a “vulgar” and “derogatory” song allegedly released in 2006 by Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah, observing that it disregarded basic standards of civility and directing its removal from online platforms.
Further action in the matter is awaited.
