Haryana Police's Crackdown on Gun Culture in Songs Sparks Controversy

The Haryana Police’s cyber wing has intensified its effort to curb the glorification of gun culture in music, taking down about 10 songs over the past two weeks. The move included halting at least two live concerts, one of them in Gurugram, according to The Hindu.

Among the targeted tracks, six were by Masoom Sharma, a well-known Haryanvi singer with a massive online following of over 1.8 million.

Government’s Rationale Behind the Crackdown

The campaign began in January 2025 after Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini held a law-and-order review meeting in Karnal. Emphasizing the influence of music and films, Saini stated that positive content could guide society in the right direction.

Masoom Sharma Speaks Out Against Selective Targeting

Masoom Sharma, whose lyrics often revolve around gang culture, weapons, and rebellion, expressed dissatisfaction with the selective enforcement. He was stopped from performing a banned song in Gurgaon recently.

Speaking to the media and during a Facebook Live, Sharma argued for uniformity in censorship. He cited the still-available song “Tadke Pavegi Laash Nahar Mein” by Gajender Phogat—an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to CM Saini—and called for its removal as well.

He said, “If Haryanvi songs are banned, youth will shift to Punjabi songs which are often equally violent. Even South Indian movies depict extreme violence.”

Gajender Phogat Responds, Denies Targeting Sharma

Gajender Phogat, a singer-turned-government official, refuted Sharma’s accusations of personal bias. He maintained that content glorifying guns leaves a harmful impact, especially on young audiences.

Phogat emphasized the need for songs that reflect national heroes like Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Dayanand Saraswati, which he believes would positively influence the youth.

Other Artists Affected and Political Reactions

Alongside Sharma, songs by Ankit Baliyan and Narender Bhagana have also been removed. The move has sparked criticism from opposition leaders.

In the Haryana Assembly, Congress MLA Kuldeep Vats described the actions as “unjust.” Ramkaran Kala, Congress MLA from Shahdara, demanded an explanation from the CM regarding the alleged excesses committed against the artists.

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