'India's Got Latent' row: Mumbai Police summons Samay Raina again
What's the story
The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has summoned comedian Samay Raina once again in connection with the ongoing investigation into his YouTube show, India's Got Latent, Pinkvilla reported.
The development comes after a controversy involving several prominent Indian content creators including Ranveer Allahbadia, Apurva Makhija, Ashish Chanchlani, and Jasprit Sing.
Raina, currently on tour in the US and Canada, has sought more time to respond to the summons and is expected back by late March.
Investigation expands
Cyber Cell issued notices to 40 individuals involved in filming
The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has widened its probe by sending notices to around 40 people associated with the production of 18 episodes of India's Got Latent. Officials confirmed that no arrests have been made so far and further action will be taken after examining statements.
The authorities have also asked YouTube to take down all the episodes from its platform.
While the controversial episode was removed immediately, Raina announced that he has taken down all other episodes from his account.
Public response
Raina pledged cooperation; celebrities extended support amid controversy
Raina, in his first public statement on the controversy on Wednesday (February 12), promised to cooperate with all agencies.
Amid the furore, several celebrities such as Aly Goni and Munawar Faruqui have come out in support of Raina.
On the other hand, Rakhi Sawant and Uorfi Javed urged netizens to forgive Allahbadia for his controversial remarks.
Origin of dispute
Controversy ignited by Allahbadia's remarks on 'India's Got Latent'
The controversy was sparked by YouTuber Allahbadia's crass remarks on parental intercourse on India's Got Latent, which triggered widespread outrage and a formal complaint against him, social media influencer Makhija, Raina, and the show's organizers.
Amid the uproar, Allahbadia publicly apologized for his "inappropriate" comments and acknowledged a "lapse in judgment."
The Maharashtra Cyber Department then filed an FIR against him, Raina, and other artists for allegedly producing obscene content.
Scrutiny
Amid the row, police will attend Raina's upcoming shows
Following the cancellation of his shows in Gujarat due to public backlash, authorities have now recommended additional precautions for his upcoming performances.
Police are also considering contacting BookMyShow to gather details on ticket buyers and attendees. Their goal is to determine whether any audience members, particularly women, felt offended, or uncomfortable, or that their dignity was compromised due to allegedly inappropriate jokes.
An officer reportedly stated that the investigation would focus on whether any attendees experienced distress during the event.