Famous rapper Badshah who has become a Bollywood favourite of late seems to be in trouble. The Mumbai Police have stated that the rapper paid Rs 72 lakh for fake views on one of his music videos in a bid to break a viewership. During questioning regarding a racket that sells fake followers and views to social media influencers, Badhshah denied any wrongdoing.

The Hindustan Times reports that during questioning, officials claim that the rapper confessed to purchasing around 7.2 crore views for Rs 72 lakh in order to beat a world record for most YouTube views in the first 24 hours. The rapper had previously claimed that the music video for Paagal had been watched 75 million times on the first day of its release beating a record set by Korean boy band BTS and Taylor Swift.

“The singer confessed that he wanted to set a world record for the most number of viewers in 24 hours on YouTube. That is why he paid Rs 72 lakh to this company,” said Nandkumar Thakur, deputy commissioner of police to Mumbai Mirror.

“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,” Badshah has said, denying all allegations.