Pramesh S Jain
Mohan Kumar Danappa,Member of the Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority, has urged the state police chief to initiate strict action against individuals performing and circulating songs allegedly demeaning women and girls.
In a letter dated February 3, 2026,Danappa expressed concern over the increasing instances of allegedly vulgar and objectionable songs being performed in the name of folk art and “Rasamanchari”programmes, particularly in parts of North Karnataka.
He stated that certain individuals were misusing Kannada language and double entendre lyrics to target school-going girls and young women during public events,including fairs, religious gatherings,cultural programmes and television reality shows.
The letter further alleged that such songs were being played loudly through sound systems mounted on tractors and other vehicles in public places,and widely circulated on social media platforms,causing embarrassment and allegedly undermining the dignity of women and children, as well as the state’s cultural ethos.
Danappa noted that these performances could have an adverse impact on students and youth,and claimed that the content may encourage disrespect towards women and potentially contribute to crimes against them..
In a letter addressed to the Director General and Inspector General of Police, Danappa flagged the growing trend of obscene and double-meaning songs being performed in the name of folk and “Rasamanjari” programmes, particularly in parts of North Karnataka.
He alleged that such songs,targeting schoolgirls and young women, are being performed at public events, fairs, religious gatherings and even aired through local media and social platforms.
The content, he said, not only insults the dignity of women and children but also adversely impacts youth and students.
Danappa has sought registration of criminal cases under Section 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
He also called for removal of objectionable videos from social media and issuance of statewide instructions to police stations to take suo motu action against performers and organisers.
The representation follows a petition submitted by a social activist demanding protection of women’s dignity and preservation of Kannada language and culture.
