Badshah interrogated over fake followers on social media

The rapper was held by Police for nine hours as part of a Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) probe

Indian rapper Badshah has come under controversy as he is investigated by the Mumbai police in relation to fake social media engagement, reported Indian Express. According to officials, Badshah was in police interrogation for nine hours as part of a probe into a racket that creates and sells fake social media followers and `likes’, an official said.

The artist had reached the office of the Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) at around 12:30 PM and was there till 9:45 PM. He has been summoned for questioning on Saturday afternoon too, the official added. 

The CIU investigation began after Bollywood singer Bhumi Trivedi found that somebody had created her fake profile on social media and complained to the police.

A celebrity or social media influencer can command a higher price for product endorsement if he or she has more followers, according to officials. The police has recorded statements of nearly 20 people in the case. At least 54 cyber firms that create fake followers are under the police’s scanner, officials said. Among famous celebrities named in the investigation are, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.

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