Samay Raina's request for virtual testimony denied; must appear in-person
What's the story
The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has denied comedian Samay Raina's plea to record his statement through a video call in the ongoing India's Got Latent controversy.
The officials have maintained that Raina must give his statement in person on Tuesday (February 18).
Currently in the US for his stand-up shows, Raina had conveyed through his lawyer that he won't be able to return to India until March 17 due to prior commitments.
Charges detailed
Raina and co-accused face FIR for promoting vulgarity
The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has filed an FIR against Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia, Apoorva Mukhija (The Rebel Kid), and others for allegedly promoting obscenity and vulgarity online through the show India's Got Latent.
The controversy erupted after an episode where Allahbadia made a distasteful "parental sex" comment to a contestant.
This was met with laughter from Raina and Mukhija who were also accused of using abusive language throughout the episode.
Legal proceedings
Raina's response and legal developments in the case
On February 12, Raina broke his silence on the controversy, saying he had removed all India's Got Latent videos from his YouTube channel.
An FIR has also been filed against the group by Assam Police who visited Raina's Pune residence to issue a legal notice.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police earlier granted an extension for Raina to record his statement due to his US tour but insisted that the investigation cannot be delayed indefinitely.
Ongoing investigation
Allahbadia's statement and NCW's involvement in the case
In a related development, an unidentified police official said that Khar Police have been unable to reach Allahbadia as his phone has been switched off.
However, last week, Allahbadia issued a statement saying that he and his team are coordinating with authorities.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned judges of the show, including Allahbadia, Raina, Mukhija, Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and the show's producers for questioning.