Maharashtra Cyber Cell Registers Case Against Pranit More, Himashu Jangra And Sejal Pawar
The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has registered an FIR against comedian Pranit More, Himanshu Jangra and Dr Sejal Pawar over viral comedy show clips that sparked outrage.
A massive controversy erupted during a stand-up comedy show, plunging host Pranit More and two others into serious legal trouble. What began as a seemingly harmless crowd-work interaction in Gurugram has now snowballed into a national debate about consent, professional ethics, and the disturbing normalisation of problematic behaviour. Following widespread outrage, the Maharashtra Cyber Cell has officially registered an FIR against stand-up comedian Pranit More and audience members Himanshu Jangra, and Dr Sejal Pawar.
ALSO READ | Elvish Yadav, Rashami Desai Slam Comedian Pranit More Over Shocking “Rs 370 Biryani” Controversy
The massive backlash stems from short clips of Pranit More's show that were recorded, promoted, and circulated across YouTube, Instagram, and other digital platforms for monetisation. In one viral video, an audience member identified as Himanshu Jangra recounted a date where he spent Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani. He shockingly suggested that spending the money entitled him to physical intimacy. Himanshu Jangra detailed that when the woman asked him to drop her home, he sought favours in return. The situation escalated as he described touching the woman, claiming he persuaded her despite her apparent hesitation.
Instead of shutting down the problematic commentary, host Pranit More was seen laughing at the remarks, effectively amplifying them. Public figures, including Ayesha Khan, Kusha Kapila, Rashami Desai and Elvish Yadav, slammed the comedian for his handling of the situation, criticising him for laughing along rather than challenging the derogatory comments.
ALSO READ | Pranit More Deactivates Instagram After Backlash Over Himanshu Jangra's 'Rs 370 Biryani' Remark On His Show
Adding fuel to the fire, a second viral clip from the same show featured Dr Sejal Pawar. During an interaction where Pranit More asked if doctors stay serious or crack jokes while doing an autopsy on a corpse, Dr Pawar made highly objectionable comments about the anatomy of deceased male bodies. She claimed that she and her medical colleagues would compare the sizes of male cadavers' private parts, sparking intense public fury over the violation of deceased persons' dignity.
The Maharashtra Cyber Cell took swift action, registering FIR No. 36/2026 at the nodal Cyber Police Station in Mumbai. The charges fall under Sections 75(1)(iv), 75(3), 294, and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Section 67 of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. Summons have been issued directing Pranit More, Himanshu Jangra, and Dr Sejal Pawar to appear before Maharashtra Cyber to record their statements.
Shedding light on their enforcement, the agency stated: "The Office of the Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber, serves as the nodal office for all cyber-related matters in the State of Maharashtra. Maharashtra Cyber continues to monitor online platforms and social media ecosystems to identify and take appropriate action against content and activities that may violate applicable laws and adversely affect public order, dignity, and societal interests."
Furthermore, the National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo motu cognisance of the viral clips, noting that the content appeared to glorify non-consensual conduct. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to the Haryana Director General of Police (DGP), seeking immediate and time-bound action and demanding an Action Taken Report within seven days.
Expressing deep concern, the NCW firmly stated that the “normalisation or glorification of behaviour that undermines a woman's consent, dignity and bodily autonomy has far-reaching consequences for women's safety and social attitudes towards gender-based violence”.
Following the immense social media fury, all three individuals – Pranit More, Himanshu Jangra, and Sejal Pawar – issued public apologies. However, the professional and social consequences have been severe.
Himanshu Jangra's employer, the Gurugram-based Starvik Design, officially terminated his employment. Meanwhile, Dr Sejal Pawar is facing an internal inquiry ordered by her employer, KEM Hospital and Medical College.
As for Pranit More, the comedian at the centre of the storm has buckled under the sustained public criticism and deactivated his Instagram account. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is currently underway and appropriate legal action will be taken against all persons involved in the creation, dissemination, and amplification of the content.
