A First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against Jessy Nabam, a contestant on the popular YouTube show “India’s Got Latent,” hosted by Samay Raina. The controversy erupted after Nabam made remarks regarding dog meat consumption in her home state of Arunachal Pradesh.
During an episode, Raina asked Nabam if she had ever tried dog meat. She responded, “I know because my friends eat it. They even eat their pets at times.” This statement sparked outrage on social media, with many criticizing her comments as misrepresentative and derogatory towards the native population of Arunachal Pradesh.
The backlash intensified when a concerned citizen, Armaan Ram Welly Bakha, filed an FIR on January 31, 2025. In his complaint, he argued that Nabam’s comments were hurtful and damaging to the cultural identity of the people from Arunachal Pradesh. He urged authorities to take appropriate action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident has reignited discussions about the portrayal of regional cultures in national media and the potential harm caused by such stereotypes. The lack of a public response from Samay Raina and the show’s producers raises concerns about the sensitivity surrounding cultural humor and the serious implications it can have.
The FIR highlights the importance of responsible content creation, as statements made on public platforms can perpetuate negative stereotypes and contribute to animal cruelty perceptions. Not everyone in Arunachal Pradesh consumes dog meat, and spreading such narratives can tarnish the image of its residents. This controversy serves as a reminder of the need for thoughtful dialogue and understanding when discussing cultural practices.
