Sixty-seven songs promoting gang lifestyle, glorifying weapons and violence have been removed from digital platforms, the Haryana Police said in a statement yesterday. However, the police in its statement did not name the songs that have been removed or blocked.

“The action taken against 67 songs is part of a larger campaign, and further strict action will continue,” Haryana Director General of Police Ajay Singhal said, according to a PTI report from Chandigarh yesterday.

Last year, the Haryana Police had initiated action against songs that allegedly promoted gun culture, “glorify” violence, and incite hatred.

Accordingly, the initiative brought singers, social media, and other such platforms under the lens. The Haryana Police, particularly its cybercrime unit’s teams, monitors social media and takes appropriate action where required.

During an extensive investigation, the STF and cyber teams found that several songs were influencing youth, glorifying gangsters, and portraying an unrealistic image of luxury associated with criminal life, thereby pushing young people toward crime, according to the statement.

Responding to this alarming trend, the Haryana Police acted against 67 objectionable songs available on the social media platforms. “As a result, most of the content has either been removed or blocked,” the statement read.

DGP Singhal also appealed to artists and content creators to act responsibly and avoid producing content that misleads the youth. STF IG Satheesh Balan said that considering the increasing influence of digital content on the youth, the police have also held discussions with singers, lyricists, and creators, advising them not to glorify violence, gangster elements or weapons.