The Mumbai Police have provided comedian Samay Raina until March 10 to come in for questioning regarding podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s controversial comments on the YouTube show ‘India’s Got Latent,’ PTI reported on Saturday.
Ranveer Allahbadia, recognized for his ‘BeerBiceps’ channel on YouTube, ignited controversy with his remarks about parents and sex on Samay Raina’s now-removed show. Consequently, two FIRs have been lodged against both Allahbadia and Raina—one in Assam and another in Mumbai.
As per a police official quoted by PTI, Khar police have been unable to contact Allahbadia as his phone is turned off. Previously, teams from both the Mumbai and Assam Police visited his home but found it secured. The official also mentioned that Raina’s lawyer had contacted senior police officials requesting an extension, pointing out his client’s presence in the United States. In light of this request, the police allowed him until March 10 to appear and give his statement.
Allahbadia had additionally asked the Khar police to take his statement at his home, but this request was turned down.
Ranveer Allahbadia’s Controversy
Mumbai Police have taken statements from eight individuals, including Apoorva Mukhija, Ashish Chanchalani, and Allahbadia’s manager, following a complaint by a BJP functionary. However, no FIR has been filed by Mumbai Police regarding this issue.
In the meantime, the Maharashtra Cyber Cell has summoned at least 50 individuals to provide statements concerning the case. This group includes participants from the show. On Thursday, actor and filmmaker Raghu Ram, who was part of the judges’ panel on Raina’s show, gave his statement. On February 10, Allahbadia made a public apology, recognizing his “lack of judgment” while making the joke.
After the controversy, Samay Raina deleted all episodes of ‘India’s Got Latent’ from his YouTube channel, which had attracted millions of views. In a social media update, Raina expressed that the situation had been overwhelming for him but confirmed his complete cooperation with authorities.
“Everything that is happening has been too much for me to handle. I have removed all ‘India’s Got Latent’ videos from my channel. My sole intention was to entertain and create a joyful experience. I will fully cooperate with all agencies to ensure their investigations are conducted fairly. Thank you,” Samay wrote.
