Mumbai dance crew V Unbeatable wins ‘America’s Got Talent: The Champions’ | File Photo
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court was informed on Monday that the investigation into cheating complaints by the dance troupe ‘V Unbeatable’ has been transferred from the Crime Branch to the Economic Offence Wing (EOW), Mira-Bhayander. The group, known for winning ‘America’s Got Talent: The Champions’ in 2019, alleges being duped of Rs 11.96 crore by their former manager.
A bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Neela Gokhale heard the group’s petition seeking an FIR against choreographer Om Prakash Chauhan and others. The manager had also filed a counter-FIR against the group.
The State’s advocate informed the court that both FIRs had been transferred to the EOW for impartial investigation. “Investigation will be done fairly and uninfluenced by the earlier investigation by the officers concerned, IO Ranaware,” the court observed.
Earlier, on January 8, the HC directed senior officers of the Mira-Bhayander Police Commissionerate to address grievances raised by the troupe against IO Ranaware. The group alleged mistreatment during the probe, stating in an affidavit: “We are called several times to record statements and made to wait for hours in the sun. When our statements are recorded, they are not documented as per our narrative. Evidence we provide is ignored.”
The bench took note of the allegations, stating: “Petitioner has made serious allegations against IO Ranaware.” It directed the assistant commissioner (ACP) and deputy commissioner (DCP) of police to review the affidavit and take necessary action. “We expect the ACP and DCP to address these grievances appropriately,” the court said.
On Monday, the HC asked the State advocate to file an affidavit stating the steps taken by the ACP / DCP.
V Unbeatable, comprising members from underprivileged backgrounds, gained international fame with their victory at ‘America’s Got Talent: The Champions’ and substantial earnings from subsequent performances, which were allegedly misappropriated. The troupe initially practised in a garden in Bhayander Khadi.
