Stand-up comedian and Bigg Boss 19 contestant Pranit More, and Himanshu Jangra, a man who recently appeared at the former’s stand-up show, found themselves in a soup after a clip from the show began making rounds online. In the clip, Jangra was seen making derogatory and controversial remarks against a woman he had gone on a date with, and claimed he had bought her a chicken biryani worth Rs 370. He spilled more beans on his dating experience in the show, while More and other audience members laughed at his remarks, triggering outrage among netizens.

Comedian Pranit More (Left) and Himanshu Jangra (Right)

The row has further escalated on Thursday, as the Maharashtra Police’s cyber-crime wing has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the duo, as well as another woman named Sejal Pawar, who too made disturbing revelations during the show under the guise of comedy.

NCW summons More, Jangra

The case stems from a viral crowd-work clip from one of More’s live stand-up performances, which drew backlash and criticism immensely from netizens and prompted intervention from law enforcement authorities, as well as the National Commission for Women (NCW). The Maharashtra cyber wing has invoked several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, 2000 against More, Jangra and Dr Pawar. Officials have issued summons to the trio, directing them to appear before police and record their statements as part of the ongoing probe.

Meanwhile, the NCW has also taken suo motu cognisance and has summoned Jangra and More to appear before the Commission on June 22. Additionally, the body has also written to the Director General of Police (DGP), Haryana, seeking the strictest action in connection with the case.

Dr Pawar booked for making obscene remarks regarding dead male bodies

Sources familiar with the probe said Dr Pawar has been named in the FIR, as she made derogatory and obscene remarks regarding bodies of dead males and cadavers used for educational purposes. Authorities said such comments were considered disrespectful to the dignity of the deceased and contrary to accepted standards of public decency.

How did the controversy unfold?

The internet’s temperature rose after a video clip from More’s stand-up show gained traction on Instagram, as well as other social media platforms. In the footage, Jangra, a spectator present at the show, narrated an incident in which he went on a date with a woman. He said he purchased a plate of chicken biryani for him and the woman, which cost him Rs 370. He further suggested that paying for the meal entitled him to physical intimacy in return.

Users were quick to junk his perverse mindset, terming them misogynistic and deeply inappropriate.

The backlash also intensified as More and other members of the audience were spotted laughing rather than challenging the statement. More even referred to Jangra’s tale as ‘PEAK GURGAON CONTENT,’ a response many viewers felt normalised a problematic mindset.

More, Jangra issue apologies

After realising that the criticism had been mounting over the content, More removed the clip from his social media accounts and issued a public apology, Jangra also released a statement acknowledging his remarks were highlight insensitive, while maintaining he held an intent to entertain. Moreover, Jangra was also fired from his workplace, Starvik Design, after the clip featuring him went viral.