States » NorthPosted at: Oct 8 2026 4:28PM


Haryana: STF counsels nearly 200 youths, takes down 12 Instagram accounts allegedly linked to extremist radicalisation

Panchkula, Oct 8 (UNI) Haryana Police have secured the removal of 67 songs allegedly glorifying gangsters, firearms and violence from digital platforms, counselled nearly 200 youths influenced by gangster culture and taken down 12 Instagram accounts suspected of promoting extremist radicalisation, officials said on Thursday.
The statewide campaign, led by the Special Task Force (STF), targets online content portraying criminals as role models and seeks to prevent young people from being drawn towards organised crime.
Director General of Police Ajay Singhal said the operation combined digital surveillance, action against objectionable content, engagement with the music industry, and preventive counselling.
"Our priority is not limited to taking legal action against criminals, but also to effectively curb the mindset and digital environment that portray crime as attractive or prestigious," Singhal said.
Police said an STF committee constituted to monitor content glorifying gangsters, gun culture and violence had issued notices to digital intermediaries under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Rule 3(1)(d) of the Information Technology Rules, 2021.
The intervention resulted in the removal of 67 songs from online platforms, police said.
The STF also held discussions with Haryanvi singers, lyricists and music producers, urging them to avoid content that glorifies gang rivalries, firearms and criminal lifestyles.
As part of its preventive measures, police identified nearly 200 youths allegedly influenced by gangster-related social media content and counselled them against involvement in criminal activities.
In a separate operation, the STF identified 12 Instagram accounts allegedly used by extremist elements to radicalise young people and secured their removal, officials said.
Intelligence concerning online content promoting gangsters and violence has also been shared with police authorities in other states for coordinated action.
Police said the campaign was consistent with the Punjab and Haryana High Court's July 22, 2019, directions in Reet Mohinder Singh versus State of Haryana and Others, concerning songs glorifying alcohol, drugs, and violence at public events.
The force has also prepared an advisory for print, electronic and social media organisations, artists and content creators, urging them not to glorify criminals or criminal activities.
The advisory, referring to a Haryana Assembly resolution adopted in August 2025, has been forwarded to the state's Information, Public Relations and Languages Department for wider circulation.
"Criminals should receive not publicity, but a clear message against crime," Singhal said, adding that police would continue efforts to protect youths from criminal influences and radicalisation.
UNI KK RSA
Tags: #Haryana: STF counsels nearly 200 youths# takes down 12 Instagram accounts allegedly linked to extremist radicalisation
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