Police have registered an FIR against stand-up comedian Yash Rathi on Tuesday for allegedly using objectionable language during a performance at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhilai in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district.
The incident occurred on November 15 during the institute’s annual festival, where students, staff, and their parents were present.
Clips from Rathi’s performance, which were shared widely on social media, show him reportedly using inappropriate language. Following these complaints, a case was filed on Monday against Rathi under Section 296 (obscene acts) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Jevra Sirsa Police Chowki, Durg Superintendent of Police Jitendra Shukla confirmed.
The investigation is ongoing.
After the video went viral, several organizations, including the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), and the Karni Sena, lodged formal complaints with the IIT management, police, and the administration.
Subsequently, IIT Bhilai also filed a police complaint.
According to IIT Bhilai Director Rajiv Prakash, when Rathi began using objectionable words, the management intervened and asked him to leave the stage.
Prakash stated, “Stand-up comedy acts have been held at the institute’s annual fest in the past, but such language was never used by performers. We were shocked by Rathi’s remarks.”
In response to the incident, the management has decided that future stand-up comedy shows will not be organized at the institute. The complaint against Rathi has been filed, and the matter is being investigated further.
