Mumbai’s Bandra magistrate’s court has instructed local police to investigate a criminal complaint against prominent producer Ekta Kapoor, following accusations of disrespecting Indian soldiers in one of her web series. The complaint was filed by popular YouTuber Vikas Pathak, also known as ‘Hindustani Bhau,’ who alleges that a scene in the web series tarnished the dignity of the Indian Army.
The complaint, lodged in 2020, accuses Kapoor, her OTT platform Alt Balaji, and her parents, Shobha Kapoor and Jeetendra Kapoor, of dishonoring Indian soldiers by featuring a military officer in a sexually explicit act, while wearing the Indian Army uniform with the national emblem on it. Pathak claims he came across the controversial scene in May 2020 and was deeply offended by the depiction, which he argues humiliated the Indian Army.
The Bandra court has ordered that the police submit a report on the matter by May 9, in accordance with section 202 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which allows the court to request an inquiry into complaints or direct the police to conduct one. The complaint was filed through advocate Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, who represents Pathak.
Pathak, who has built a significant presence on social media, asserts that the scene in question was a direct attack on the dignity and pride of India’s military forces, and he demands accountability for the offensive portrayal. The issue has garnered considerable attention due to its sensitive nature, given the deep respect many hold for the Indian Army.
Vikas Pathak, also known as ‘Hindustani Bhau,’ is no stranger to controversy. His aggressive style of communication, often marked by the use of foul language, has garnered both popularity and criticism. Pathak first gained widespread attention on YouTube with videos shot from his car, where he expressed his strong opinions. In addition to his YouTube career, Pathak appeared on the reality TV show Bigg Boss in 2019, further boosting his public profile.
In May 2021, he was arrested by Mumbai Police for organizing a protest at Shivaji Park against exams being held during the COVID-19 pandemic. His protest, which involved violating pandemic guidelines, led to his detention after he arrived at the location in an ambulance.
The case involving Ekta Kapoor adds to the list of controversies surrounding prominent figures in the Indian entertainment industry. The investigation into the allegations has sparked debate about the limits of creative freedom in depicting sensitive subjects such as national pride and the military.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities will determine whether the claims against Kapoor’s web series hold merit, and if the portrayal of Indian soldiers in the scene violated any laws. With a court-mandated inquiry in progress, the issue is expected to remain under scrutiny in the coming months.
