Rapper Badshah receives death threat from Bishnoi gang over song lyrics

Indian singer-rapper Badshah has reportedly received a death threat allegedly issued by individuals linked to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, days after his latest song Tateeree sparked controversy over its lyrics.

According to reports, a viral Facebook post allegedly attributed to associates of the Bishnoi gang warned the rapper of violent consequences and referenced an earlier incident at a nightclub owned by him.

The message accused Badshah of damaging the cultural values of Haryana and threatened further action. It also referred to an incident in 2024 at one of his clubs, warning of more severe consequences in the future.

The threat comes as the rapper faces scrutiny over the Haryanvi music video for ‘Tateeree’, which has been criticised for allegedly containing objectionable references to women and minors.

Meanwhile, the Haryana State Commission for Women has directed police to arrest Badshah after he failed to appear before the panel within the stipulated deadline.

The commission’s chairperson, Renu Bhatia, reportedly had earlier warned that strict action would be taken if the singer did not appear before the panel by 3 pm on Friday. The commission had issued a notice on March 6 asking him to appear in Panipat following complaints regarding the lyrics and visuals of the song.

The alleged threat also referred to a 2024 incident when low-intensity explosions occurred outside two nightclubs in Sector 26, one of which was owned by Badshah.

Hours after the blasts, gangster Goldy Brar, a close associate of Lawrence Bishnoi, claimed responsibility through a social media post.

Police said the explosions, believed to have been caused by crude bombs, resulted in limited damage and no injuries. Investigators said two men on a motorcycle threw the explosive devices outside the clubs around 3.14 am, damaging a glass door. CCTV footage of the incident was later recovered by officials.