Maharashtra Cyber Records Statements of Comedian, Medical Student in Act Remarks Case

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Cyber police on Wednesday recorded the statements of stand-up comedian Pranit More and MBBS student Sejal Pawar in connection with an FIR registered last week over remarks made during a comedy performance in Gurgaon. The police confirmed that both individuals appeared before the investigating officer and their statements were recorded under the relevant provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The investigation was initiated after video clips from More's stand-up act, which involved crowd work, circulated widely on social media, leading to public criticism. The Maharashtra Cyber cell registered an FIR last week, following complaints that the remarks were objectionable and potentially violated legal provisions. The police have not publicly disclosed the specific content of the remarks, citing the ongoing investigation.

Along with More and Pawar, the FIR also names Himanshu Jangra as a third accused. However, police officials stated that efforts to serve summons to Jangra have been unsuccessful as his mobile phone has been switched off. "We have issued summons to all three accused. While More and Pawar responded and joined the probe on Wednesday, we are still trying to trace Jangra. He will be summoned again," said a senior official from Maharashtra Cyber.

During the recording of statements, the investigating officer seeks a detailed account of the incident from the accused persons. This is a routine procedural step to gather facts and evidence before deciding the further course of action. More and Pawar have been asked to appear again next week for continued questioning, indicating that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages. The police have not made any arrests in the case so far.

The case highlights the jurisdiction of cyber police in matters involving online content. The stand-up act was performed in Gurgaon, Haryana, but since the objectionable material was circulated online and had a pan-India reach, the Maharashtra Cyber cell registered the FIR based on complaints received. Legal experts note that cyber laws allow police to take cognisance of offences committed or having an effect in their jurisdiction through the digital medium.

The Maharashtra Cyber police is a specialist unit that investigates cybercrimes and offences involving digital evidence. In this case, since the remarks were made during a live performance but gained traction through online sharing, the unit stepped in to examine potential violations. The police have secured copies of the viral clips and are examining them for evidentiary value.

The police are likely to examine the complete recording of the stand-up performance and may also record statements of complainants and witnesses. The investigation will determine whether the remarks constituted an offence under the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. The sections invoked in the FIR typically relate to causing public mischief, promoting enmity, or outraging religious feelings, but the exact charges have not been officially confirmed.

The accused have cooperated with the investigation so far. Legal procedures require the police to file the FIR, record statements, collect evidence, and then submit a final report to the court. Depending on the findings, the report may recommend a chargesheet or closure of the case. It is expected that the police will question the third accused once he is located.

Meanwhile, the stand-up comedy community has seen multiple instances of legal action in recent years over content deemed offensive. In this case, More has not made any public statement about the FIR. Attempts to reach his representatives for comment on Wednesday were unsuccessful. The police have urged the public not to share unverified clips and to let the legal process take its course.

The summoning of individuals for recording statements is a standard procedure and does not imply guilt. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited. Mumbai Mirror will continue to report on this developing story.