YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, who was interrogated for nearly five hours by Maharashtra Cyber officials alongside Ashish Chanchlani, has clarified that he participated in India’s Got Latent without receiving any payment. Allahbadia explained that he joined the show as a courtesy to host Samay Raina, who is a friend.
According to sources mentioned in an NDTV report, the 31-year-old content creator elaborated that YouTubers frequently collaborate and appear on one another’s platforms without any financial exchanges.
First Public Appearance After Controversy
Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chanchlani made their initial public appearance at the Maharashtra Cyber headquarters on Monday after the controversy surrounding India’s Got Latent. They showed up at 11:30 AM and were interrogated, with their statements documented by investigators.
Wearing a black face mask to evade media focus, Allahbadia exited the premises around 5 PM in a private cab, while Chanchlani left an hour later in his own vehicle.
Maharashtra Cyber has summoned over 50 individuals associated with the show, including guests, judges, social media influencers, and comedians.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The case involves accusations of obscenity, with several FIRs lodged against Allahbadia, also recognized as BeerBiceps. On February 18, the Supreme Court provided him with interim protection from arrest, describing his statements as “vulgar” and indicating he had a “dirty mind” that brought shame to society.
The court instructed Allahbadia to fully engage with the investigation, submit his passport to the Thane police, and request permission prior to traveling abroad. His following court hearing is set for March 3.
Several FIRs and Summons Issued
Among the multiple FIRs filed, one was lodged in Guwahati on February 17 by a local resident, accusing Allahbadia and others of endorsing obscenity on a publicly accessible online platform.
Others implicated in the case include Samay Raina, Ashish Chanchlani, comedians Jaspreet Singh, Apoorva Makhija, and Rakhi Sawant, who also featured on the show. Police verified that Sawant has been summoned to appear before Maharashtra Cyber on February 27.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) also issued summons for Allahbadia, Raina, and others to appear on February 17. However, due to concerns for safety and logistical challenges, some individuals requested delays.
Allahbadia, citing threats to his life, requested a three-week postponement, and his hearing has now been rescheduled to March 6.