Police Reject Samay Raina's Appeal to Record Statement Over Video Call

Maharashtra Cyber Cell has refused the plea of YouTuber Samay Raina to allow him to record his statement in the 'India's Got Latent' controversy via videoconferencing. Raina in his plea said that he is currently in the US and won't be able to return to India before March 17 due to prior commitments.

Cops Turn Down Samay Raina's Request:

Maharashtra Cyber Cell said that Raina has been asked to record his statement in person on February 18.

About the Controversy:

Raina hosted show 'India's Got Latent' got embroiled in controversy over comments made by podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia. During the show, he asked a contestant, "Would you rather watch your parents... or join in once and stop it forever?" Following a massive backlash, a formal complaint was filed against Ranveer Allahbadia, social media influencer Apoorva Makhija, comedian Samay Raina, and the organizers of 'India's Got Latent.'

Samay later took to his Instagram Stories to share a statement, stating that he had removed all videos of the show from his channel and was "fully cooperating" with the authorities. He also added that his only intention was to entertain people.

"Everything that has been happening has been too much for me to handle. I have removed all India's Got Latent videos from my channel. My only objective was to make people laugh and have a good time. I will fully cooperate with all agencies to ensure their inquiries are concluded fairly. Thank you," Samay wrote on his Instagram Story.

Photo Credit: Instagram

About the Case:

The Maharashtra Cyber Department has filed an FIR over the vulgar remarks made on the show. The police have summoned more than 40 persons, including Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina, asking them to join the probe into a case registered over the former's controversial remarks on the YouTube reality show.

The FIR was registered under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act on Tuesday. The department has also asked the producers of the reality show to take down all its 18 episodes from social media platforms, the official said.

Preliminary probe revealed that many participants used vulgar and obscene language during earlier episodes too, he added.

The Khar police station, in response to a complaint by a local BJP functionary, recorded the statements of four persons, including social media influencer Apoorva Makhija as well as Allahbadia's manager in connection with the controversy.

Also Read: Unveiling Samay Raina: Surprising Facts About the Comic Streamer You Didn't Know