Mumbai: The state on Monday told the Bombay High Court that the probe into cheating complaints by members of a dance troupe was transferred from the Crime Branch to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Mira Bhayander Vasai Virar commissionerate.
Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Neela Gokhale were hearing a petition by 28 dancers of V-Unbeatable, who shot to fame when they won the award ‘Best Talent in the World’ at the 2019 America’s Got Talent (AGT) – The Champions season 2. The 250 shows, including AGT, raked in nearly Rs 12 crore, yet they were paid Rs 3,000-4,000 each monthly by their manager Om Prakash Chauhan, who received the money in his personal account. On Oct 1, the HC was informed that the investigation was transferred from Mira Road police station to Crime Branch Unit II, Virar. On Jan 8 the judges were told that investigating officer PI Shahuraj Ranaware treated the petitioners as if they were the accused. He repeatedly called them, made them wait in the hot sun, recorded their statements incorrectly, and ignored material evidence submitted by them. The judges expected the ACP and DCP to take appropriate steps, if necessary.
Chauhan’s advocate said his complaint was filed prior in time. Prosecutor Prajakta Shinde said investigations into both complaints were transferred to the EOW on Jan. The judges said they hope it is conducted fairly and impartially, uninfluenced by the investigation carried out by earlier officers.