The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has summoned comedian Samay Raina to appear on March 19 regarding the “India’s Got Latent” show, following backlash over a controversial comment made by fellow comedian Allahbadia. Raina initially failed to appear for questioning, requesting to give his statement via videoconference from the U.S., which was denied. He later removed all show-related videos from his channel and expressed intent to cooperate with investigations. Multiple FIRs were filed against those involved, prompting the Supreme Court to condemn Allahbadia’s comments. The Maharashtra Women’s Commission also supported action to curtail inappropriate content on platforms like YouTube.
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NEW DELHI: The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has issued a second summons to comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina, requesting his appearance on March 19 to provide a statement regarding the India’s Got Latent show.
Initially, Raina was summoned for today but did not attend the Cyber Cell’s meeting. He had earlier asked to testify via videoconferencing from the United States, citing existing obligations that would prevent him from returning to India before March 17.
The Cyber Cell declined his request, insisting that he must appear in person.
The controversy ignited after Allahbadia posed a question to a contestant: “Would you rather watch your parents… or join in once and stop it forever?”
In response to the ensuing backlash, Raina took to Instagram, saying: “Everything that has transpired has been overwhelming for me. I have taken down all India’s Got Latent videos from my channel. My sole aim was to bring joy and entertainment. I will fully cooperate with all authorities to ensure that their inquiries are conducted fairly.”
Several FIRs have been filed in both Maharashtra and Assam against those implicated. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that Guwahati Police have registered an FIR against Allahbadia, Raina, and others for allegedly promoting obscenity.
Supreme Court Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh referred to Allahbadia’s comments as “dirty and perverted,” stressing that such actions must be denounced.
Allahbadia has approached the Supreme Court to consolidate the charges against him. The Court granted him interim protection from arrest, under the condition that he collaborates with the investigations.
The Court imposed strict conditions, which include surrendering his passport and obtaining permission before leaving the country.
Justice Kant urged the government to take action against inappropriate content on platforms like YouTube, stating: “We would like you to do something. Otherwise, we cannot allow this vacuum and barren area to continue being misused.”
The Maharashtra Women’s Commission backed the Supreme Court’s intervention to halt the controversial shows. Rupali Chakankar, the Commission’s Chairperson, supported the Court’s ruling.
The Commission had previously called on the Mumbai Commissioner to investigate the incident.
Additionally, formal complaints were filed against comedian Apoorva Makhija and the show’s organizers, as well as against Allahbadia and Raina.