Comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina has been summoned for the second time this week by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell amid the ongoing controversy over podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s comment on the show India’s Got Latent. However, Raina has informed authorities that he is currently in the United States and will return on March 17, requesting more time to respond to the summons.
Ongoing Controversy Over India’s Got Latent
The controversy erupted after a viral clip from Raina’s YouTube show showed Allahbadia asking a contestant an inappropriate question about parental intimacy. The clip sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for action against those involved.
Following the backlash, Allahbadia, who had over 16 million followers across social media platforms before the row, issued a video apology, calling his remark a “lapse in judgment.” Meanwhile, Raina deleted all episodes of India’s Got Latent from YouTube and assured full cooperation with the investigation.
Police and Legal Actions
Mumbai Police have recorded the statements of seven individuals, including social media influencer Apoorva Makhija. Officials have stated that Allahbadia is expected to appear before them in a day or two.
The Maharashtra Cyber Department has summoned over 40 individuals, including participants and judges from previous episodes of the show, for questioning. Additionally, Guwahati Police have also registered a case against Allahbadia and four others, sending a team to Mumbai to investigate the matter.
Political and Institutional Reactions
The issue has escalated beyond social media and police investigations, reaching Parliament, where Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske demanded stricter regulations on social media content. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also weighed in, stating that while freedom of speech is important, it should not infringe upon societal norms.
“Everyone has the freedom of speech, but our freedom ends when we encroach upon the freedom of others. In our society, we have made some rules, and it is absolutely wrong if someone violates them. Action should be taken against them,” Fadnavis said.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also intervened, summoning Allahbadia, Raina, Makhija, comedians Jaspreet Singh and Ashish Chanchlani, as well as the show’s producers Tushar Poojari and Saurabh Bothra, to appear before it on February 17 in New Delhi.
What’s Next?
With Samay Raina currently out of the country and Allahbadia yet to appear before the police, the investigation continues to unfold. It remains to be seen what legal consequences, if any, the involved individuals will face as authorities intensify their probe.
Sources By Agencies
