Neha Singh Rathore, singer of UP Mein Ka Ba, gets police notice

A popular Bhojpuri singer has been booked by the Uttar Pradesh police for a satirical song mocking the Yogi Adityanath government for its eviction in Kanpur state that led to the death of a mother and daughter.

Singer Neha Singh Rathore recently recorded a variation of her viral song 'UP Mein Ka Ba' in which she talked about Pramila Dixit (45) and her daughter Neha (20) who died in their cottage which was reportedly set on fire last time by the police in week. 

The song prompted the Uttar Pradesh police to turn up at her door on Tuesday evening, claiming it had "created a situation of disharmony and tension" in the society. Ms. Rathore was given three days to answer a series of questions about the song and how it was produced. The police asked her to confirm that she is the one seen in the video, if she wrote the text and if she was behind them. Police also asked if he was "aware of the adverse impact of the video on society."

"This song has created enmity and tension in the society, and you are required by law to take a clear stand on the matter. So you are required to file your reply within three days of receiving the notice," the UP Police said in a notification. "If your reply is not found satisfactory, a case will be registered and a proper legal inquiry will be conducted," it added.

While Ms. Rathore is best known to a wider audience for her viral song 'UP Mein Ka Ba' which took a jab at the Adityanath government ahead of last year's elections, she has an extensive body of work that includes satirical skits with other politicians such as Bihar's Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia were among those who condemned the police crackdown on the singer. "When popular singer @nehafolksinger asked fearless questions, BJP Govt sent notice to her house through police is BJP so afraid of folk singer's voice? Embarrassing. This is very shameful," Mr Sisodia wrote.