‘₹370 Biryani’ Row: Maharashtra Cyber Police Files FIR Against Pranit More, Himanshu Jangra, Others
The FIR follows outrage over viral clips from Pranit More’s crowd-work shows, including remarks by audience member Himanshu Jangra linking a dinner expense to expectations of intimacy.
Maharashtra Cyber has registered an FIR against comedian Pranit More and others over viral comedy show clips.
The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against stand-up comedian Pranit More, web developer Himanshu Jangra, doctor Sejal Pawar and other unidentified persons in connection with videos allegedly containing obscene and objectionable remarks that were circulated on social media following a comedy show in Gurugram.
As per media reports, the case relates to the publication and dissemination of content through online platforms, including social media channels, which authorities claim contains remarks concerning women, consent and deceased persons that may attract criminal liability under existing laws.
The FIR has been lodged at the Nodal Cyber Police Station and the investigation is presently underway.
The controversy first erupted after clips from one of More's crowd-work comedy shows went viral online. One of the videos featured audience member Himanshu Jangra narrating details of a date during which he claimed to have spent around ₹370 on food and subsequently expected physical intimacy from the woman.
The remarks triggered widespread criticism on social media, with several users accusing him of normalising coercive behaviour and trivialising the concept of consent. The incident soon became known online as the "₹370 biryani" controversy.
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The backlash intensified after critics questioned the role of the comedian hosting the show. Social media users argued that More, who was interacting with audience members during the performance, did not sufficiently challenge or object to the remarks made during the exchange. The controversy subsequently drew the attention of authorities and public bodies.
In a separate development, another clip from a comedy performance hosted by More surfaced online and generated fresh outrage. The video allegedly showed doctor Sejal Pawar making comments concerning the private parts of a male cadaver while discussing experiences from medical training. The remarks were criticised by several social media users, who described them as insensitive and inappropriate, particularly coming from a medical professional.
Following the criticism, Pawar issued a public apology. In her statement, she expressed regret for her comments and described her conduct as naive. She acknowledged that the remarks had hurt sentiments and said she had not intended to offend anyone. The apology, however, did not stop demands for action from sections of social media, who continued to call for accountability.
Authorities have indicated that the present FIR encompasses the circulation of content that is alleged to be obscene, offensive and contrary to accepted social norms.
Maharashtra Cyber has stated that the case concerns material disseminated through YouTube, Instagram and other online platforms, and that appropriate legal action would be taken against individuals found responsible after investigation.
[Source: PTI, TOI]