NCW Condemns Online Threats Against Apoorva Mukhija Following The IGT Show Controversy
New Delhi, April 12, 2025 — The National Commission for Women (NCW) has strongly condemned the barrage of online threats received by influencer Apoorva Mukhija in the aftermath of the controversial “India’s Got Latent” (IGT) show. The backlash, which initially centered around YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, soon engulfed Apoorva Mukhija as well, prompting a lot of harassment that included disturbing threats of violence.
Apoorva Mukhija, popularly known as ‘Rebel Kid’ on social media, had kept a low profile following the controversy. After deleting several posts from her Instagram and maintaining silence for weeks, she returned to the platform recently, sharing a chilling post that compiled numerous screenshots of rape, death, and acid attack threats she had received. “This isn’t even 1% of what I’ve been sent,” her caption read, underscoring the intensity of the abuse.
The NCW, taking suo motu cognisance of the threats, released a statement condemning the online harassment. “The NCW strongly condemns such despicable behaviour and reiterates that in no civilised society should any woman feel unsafe, whether in the physical world or online,” the commission stated. “It is the duty of law enforcement authorities to ensure that the perpetrators hiding behind digital screens are identified and held accountable under the law.”
The IGT Controversy
The threats stem from a larger controversy surrounding the “India’s Got Latent” show, which featured influencers Ranveer Allahbadia (also known as ‘BeerBiceps’), Apoorva Mukhija, and comedian Samay Raina. The trio has been criticized for allegedly using offensive and inappropriate language during the show. Police complaints have since been filed against them, and investigations are underway.
While acknowledging that Apoorva Mukhija had been summoned for her comments on the IGT show, the NCW clarified that no form of online abuse can be justified, regardless of prior conduct.
“Apoorva Mukhija appeared before the Commission and tendered an apology for her crude remarks made during a public show,” the statement continued. “However, under no circumstances can online abuse, especially in the form of rape threats, be justified or overlooked.”
In response to the threats, the NCW has written to the Director General of Police, Maharashtra, urging an immediate and thorough investigation. The commission has also directed that all necessary support and security be extended to Apoorva Mukhija to ensure her safety.
Criticism Does Not Justify Threats
While the backlash against the content of the show remains a subject of public debate, the larger conversation now revolves around the nature and extent of online harassment, especially in cases like that of Apoorva Mukhija, where women face targeted abuse in digital spaces.
Social media platforms have come under renewed scrutiny for not doing enough to curb the spread of hate and abuse. The NCW has called for greater accountability from tech companies and urged them to cooperate with law enforcement to identify users who engage in threatening behavior online.
“NCW remains committed to safeguarding the dignity and rights of women across all platforms and calls for collective responsibility from social media companies, law enforcement, and society at large to build a safe digital environment for women,” the commission concluded.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the case has reignited concerns around cyberbullying and the urgent need for stronger online safety mechanisms. Advocates are now calling for comprehensive reforms in both legislation and platform policies to protect women and vulnerable groups from digital abuse.