Police Decline Comedian Samay Raina’s Video Call Request for Recording Statement
Maharashtra Cyber Cell Denies YouTuber Samay Raina’s Request for Video-Conferencing Statement
Maharashtra Cyber Cell has rejected YouTuber Samay Raina’s plea to record his statement in the ‘India’s Got Latent’ controversy via video-conferencing. Raina, who is currently in the US, cited prior commitments that prevent him from returning to India before March 17.
In-person Statement Requested on February 18
The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has instructed Raina to record his statement in person on February 18. The controversy surrounding ‘India’s Got Latent’ erupted over comments made by podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia during the show. Allahbadia’s question to a contestant, “Would you rather watch your parents… or join in once and stop it forever?” sparked significant backlash.
Formal Complaint Filed Against Multiple Individuals
Following the controversial episode, a formal complaint was filed against Ranveer Allahbadia, social media influencer Apoorva Makhija, comedian Samay Raina, and the organizers of ‘India’s Got Latent.’ In response, Samay Raina took to his Instagram Stories to express that he had removed all videos related to the show from his channel and was cooperating fully with authorities.
Legal Action and Supreme Court Appeal
On Friday, Samay Raina approached the Supreme Court seeking to consolidate multiple FIRs lodged against him across India in connection with his participation in ‘India’s Got Latent.’ Senior advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, representing Allahbadia, requested an urgent hearing before a bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna.
Multiple FIRs and Legal Proceedings
Advocate Chandrachud informed the bench about the multiple FIRs filed against Allahbadia, with Assam Police summoning him on Friday. Chief Justice Khanna clarified that the case is scheduled for a specific court date and does not allow for oral mentions. The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, also revealed that FIRs had been registered against several individuals, including Raina, in both Maharashtra and Assam, for promoting obscenity and engaging in sexually explicit discussions on the show.
The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the seriousness of the situation and the need for all parties involved to cooperate with the authorities to address the controversy surrounding ‘India’s Got Latent.’