India's Got Latent row: YouTuber Samay Raina’s request rejected by Maharashtra Cyber Cell

Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the show India's Got Latent, YouTuber and comedian Samay Raina has encountered a setback as the Maharashtra Cyber Cell denied his request to record his statement via video conferencing. Currently in the United States for his stand-up tour, Raina informed authorities through his lawyer that he would be unable to return to India before March 17 due to prior commitments. However, the Cyber Cell has insisted that he appear in person on February 18.

What is the controversy

The controversy erupted after a remark made by podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia during the show. Allahbadia posed a disturbing question to a contestant, which led to public outrage and multiple complaints against him, Raina, social media influencer Apoorva Makhija, and the show's organisers.

In the show, Allahabadia said, “Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever.” Post the controversy, Ranveer Allahabadia took to his Instagram handle to share a video. In the video, he apologised for his comment and said, "Comedy is not my forte. Just here to say sorry."

The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has filed an FIR against the group, accusing them of promoting obscenity and vulgarity online.

Samay Raina’s response to the controversy

In response to the backlash, Raina took to social media to announce that he had deleted all videos of "India's Got Latent" from his channel and expressed his willingness to cooperate with the authorities. "Everything happening has been overwhelming. My only aim was to entertain. I will fully cooperate to ensure a fair investigation," he stated.