Fake Social Media Followers Case: Badshah Issues Statement, Says 'I Was Never Involved In Such Practices'

According to a recent report, Badshah admitted to paying Rs 75 lakh for fake social media followers and likes.

New Delhi: Rapper Badshah was questioned again by the Mumbai Police on Saturday (August 7) in connection with the fake social media followers case. According to a report in a news agency, the rapper admitted to paying Rs 75 lakh to promote his music album with fake followers and likes. The ‘Genda Phool’ hit-maker reportedly admitted to shelling out the same sum after a 10-hour long interrogation by the officials of Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU). Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, alias Badshah, is likely to be summoned again on Sunday (August 9) for other related aspects of the investigation, the report in IANS said. The CIU team had prepared a list of 238 questions for the rapper. Mumbai Police had summoned Badshah in connection with a case relating to fake followers on social media. The ‘Taarefan’ singer was asked to appear on August 3 after his Instagram handle @badboyshah figured in the investigation by CIU. The rapper couldn’t make it on the said sate after he was asked to appear on Thursday (August 6). Badhsha released a statement and said the he has denied all the allegations leveled against him during the investigation. “Following the summons, I have spoken to the Mumbai Police. I have aided the officials in their investigation by cooperating and carrying out the due diligence on my part. I've categorically denied all the allegations leveled against me and made it clear that I was never involved in such practices, nor do I condone them. The investigation procedure is being executed in accordance with the law and I have complete faith in the authorities, who are handling this matter. I'd like to thank all those who have conveyed their concern to me. It means a lot to me,” the statement read. Last month, the Crime Intelligence Unit busted a racket in which fake followers and views were being bought by many celebrities. The CIU started the probe when singer Bhoomi Trivedi lodged a complaint after she found out that someone created her fake account on Instagram. The investigation led the officials to a business based on identity theft. Some reports also suggest that the crime branch may issue summons to Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra in the case. Watch this space for more updates!