Maharashtra Cyber Cell Issues Second Summons to Samay Raina Over ‘India’s Got Latent’ Controversy

February 20, 2025: The controversy surrounding YouTuber Samay Raina deepened as the Maharashtra Cyber Department confirmed that a second summons would be issued to him in connection with remarks made on the show India’s Got Latent. This development comes after Raina failed to attend a scheduled statement recording session on February 18, further intensifying the situation.

The Maharashtra Cyber Department clarified that the summons would be sent to Raina today, emphasizing the importance of him being present in person for the recording of his statement. Raina had previously requested to record his statement via videoconference, explaining that he was in the United States and would not be able to return to India before March 17 due to prior commitments. However, his request was rejected, and the department insisted on an in-person appearance.

The controversy erupted after a guest appearance by podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia on India’s Got Latent, where he made an inappropriate comment to a contestant: “Would you rather watch your parents… or join in once and stop it forever?” The remark sparked widespread outrage, leading to formal complaints against Allahbadia, Raina, comedian Apoorva Makhija, and the show’s organizers.

In response to the backlash, Raina took to his Instagram Story, expressing his regret and clarifying his intentions. “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,” he wrote, attempting to address the growing public anger.

The controversy soon escalated with multiple FIRs being filed across different states, including Maharashtra and Assam. The situation further intensified when the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, confirmed that the Guwahati Police had filed an FIR against the individuals involved, accusing them of promoting obscenity and engaging in inappropriate content. The legal pressure continued to mount as more officials weighed in.

On February 18, the Supreme Court intervened, strongly condemning Allahbadia’s remarks. Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh labeled the comments as “dirty and perverted,” emphasizing that such behavior was disgraceful, especially in relation to families and society. The Court issued a stern warning, stating that Allahbadia should not take his societal position for granted due to his popularity. The Court also raised alarms about the growing prevalence of inappropriate content on platforms like YouTube, urging the government to take action to address the issue.

Allahbadia responded by seeking an urgent hearing in the Supreme Court, requesting to club the charges against him. The bench acknowledged his plea and granted him interim protection from arrest, provided he fully cooperates with the ongoing investigations. However, strict conditions were imposed, including the surrender of his passport and a prohibition on leaving the country without prior permission.

The Supreme Court’s intervention was praised by the Maharashtra Women’s Commission, with Chairperson Rupali Chakankar commending the Court’s decision. She described the reprimand as necessary and appropriate, especially considering the sensitive nature of the remarks made on the show. The Commission had previously written to the Mumbai Commissioner, urging an inquiry into the incident.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the controversy surrounding India’s Got Latent continues to dominate headlines, highlighting the growing concerns over inappropriate content on digital platforms and the accountability of content creators and influencers in India.