Gurgaon Police Book Comedian Pranit More And Himanshu Jangra Over Biryani Video
The Gurgaon Police have registered a criminal case at the DLF Phase 2 Police Station against stand-up comedian Pranit More and web developer Himanshu Jangra. The action, taken on Tuesday, follows widespread outrage over a viral video from a local comedy show, dubbed the "Rs 370 biryani" row, which allegedly glorified sexual coercion.
The First Information Report (FIR) was lodged for offences including publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form, distribution and circulation of digital content, statements conducing to public mischief, and sexual harassment by making sexually coloured remarks.
According to police officials, legal notices have been issued to both More and Jangra to join the investigation. Additionally, formal legal requests have been sent to social media platforms to ensure the immediate removal of the controversial video content to prevent further circulation.
The controversy was triggered after a video clip from a comedy show in Gurgaon surfaced online. In the footage, Jangra recounted a date during which he spent Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani. He stated that when the woman subsequently asked him to drop her home, he sought sexual favours in return for the money he had spent. More, the comedian hosting the show, was seen laughing at and validating Jangra's remarks.
The video drew intense backlash, prompting the National Commission for Women (NCW) to intervene on June 11. Expressing grave concern over the normalisation of gender-based entitlement, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to the Haryana Director General of Police seeking an Action Taken Report within seven days. The commission has scheduled a formal hearing for the matter on June 22.
Following the widespread outrage, both More and Jangra issued public apologies. Jangra deactivated his Instagram account and was fired from his job by a Gurgaon-based firm.
A Gurgaon Police spokesperson stated that the matter is being thoroughly investigated under the directives of the Commissioner of Police. Officials stressed that any activity violating the dignity and honour of women will not be tolerated and will face strict legal enforcement.
