## Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor Face Police Scrutiny over ‘Gandi Baat’ Web Series Controversy
The Mumbai Police have intensified their investigation into a controversial episode of the web series ‘Gandi Baat’ on the OTT platform Alt Balaji, questioning filmmaker Ekta Kapoor and her mother, Shobha Kapoor, on Tuesday. The case, filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), centers around allegations that the show contained inappropriate scenes involving minor girls.
The Mumbai Police confirmed that a case was registered against Balaji Telefilm Limited, Ekta Kapoor, and Shobha Kapoor at the MHB police station. The charges include sections 295-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Information Technology Act, and sections 13 and 15 of the POCSO Act. The complaint highlights the controversial episode, which streamed on Alt Balaji between February and April 2021, and accuses the producers of depicting obscene scenes featuring minors. However, the specific episode is currently unavailable on the platform.
While ‘Gandi Baat’ has garnered significant attention for its mature themes and bold storylines, this recent controversy has sparked widespread debate regarding the depiction of minors in online content and the responsibility of content creators. The series, known for its erotic thriller narratives, has released six seasons to date, with the IMDb describing it as “Scintillating stories of murder mysteries all under the genre of erotic thriller. With characters bordering on psychopath tendencies, the stories this season dwell upon the plethora of emotions that prompt crimes.”
Amidst this controversy, Ektaa Kapoor’s drama film ‘Love, Sex aur Dhokha 2’ (titled ‘LSD 2’), directed by Dibakar Banerjee, was released in theaters on April 19. The film, with its provocative poster, explores the complexities of digital obsession and the disconnect between intimacy and technology, showcasing a couple simultaneously engaged in both emotional connection and technological detachment.
The Mumbai Police have asked Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor to appear for questioning again on October 24. The outcome of this investigation will have significant implications for the future of content creation and regulation within the OTT space. This case underscores the importance of responsible content creation and the need for stricter measures to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly minors, from inappropriate content online.