Stand-up comedian Pranit More and web developer Himanshu Jangra have been booked by Gurugram Police over alleged objectionable and sexually coloured remarks made during a comedy show held at DLF Cyber Hub in Sector-24.
The action comes after a video clip from More’s April 12 performance went viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism and drawing the attention of the National Commission for Women (NCW).
NCW notice led to police action
According to police, a suo motu cognisance was taken based on the viral video after the NCW issued a notice to the Haryana Director General of Police. The notice was later forwarded to Gurugram Police through the state police headquarters, per a report by Hindustan Times.
Also Read | 'Lapse in judgment, big mistake on my part': Pranit More apologises over viral ‘Rs 370 ki biryani’ row
The NCW reportedly described the incident as an “utter violation of a woman’s modesty treated as mass entertainment”. The commission noted that an objectionable comment made by a member of the audience was allegedly encouraged by the comedian and received applause from the crowd.
Police said the remarks, including a reference linked to a “₹370 biryani”, were viewed by the commission as prima facie derogatory towards women, reported HT.
FIR filed under BNS and IT Act
Gurugram Police spokesperson Sandeep Turan told HT that an FIR was registered at DLF Phase-II police station under Sections 75(2), 75(3), 294 and 353(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 67 of the Information Technology Act.
“The FIR was registered on the basis of the NCW notice. We have seized the viral video and CCTV footage from the venue for investigation. The role of both accused, including uploading and promotion of the video on social media, is being examined,” he told HT.
He added, “Notices have been served to More and Jangra for appearing before investigation and questioning after which further action will be taken on basis of the evidence against them.”
Apologies issued, investigation continues
As the controversy escalated, both More and Jangra issued public apologies on social media, expressing regret over their remarks.
Jangra, who worked for a firm in Gurugram’s Udyog Vihar area, was reportedly dismissed from his job after the clip attracted criticism online.
Also Read | Zomato rejects viral '₹370 ki biryani' notification, says screenshot is fake
However, police said the apologies would not affect the criminal proceedings and that the investigation would continue in accordance with the law.
FAQs:
Why were Pranit More and Himanshu Jangra booked?
They were booked over alleged objectionable and sexually coloured remarks made during a comedy show.
Did their public apologies affect the case?
No, police said the investigation will continue regardless of the apologies.
