‘India’s Got Latent’ Controversy: Ashish Chanchlani, Apoorva Makhija Among 7 Questioned by Mumbai Police; Ranveer Allahbadia Yet To Appear

Mumbai’s Khar Police have recorded statements from seven individuals linked to the controversy surrounding the YouTube show India’s Got Latent. Those questioned include social media influencers Ashish Chanchlani and Apoorva Makhija, along with the father of The Habitat Studio’s owner. Tushar Pujari, the chief programmer responsible for contestant selection, has also given his statement.

#BREAKING Mumbai’s Khar Police have recorded statements from seven individuals, including India's Got Latent associates Ashish Chanchlani, Apoorva Makhija, and The Habitat Studio’s owner’s father. Chief programmer Tushar Pujari, responsible for contestant selection, stated he… pic.twitter.com/eRTv3TbdB5

— IANS (@ians_india) February 13, 2025

Khar Police Station has issued a second summon to Allahbadia, asking him to appear for questioning tomorrow. Earlier today, he was asked to record his statement by 3 PM, but he failed to appear. As a result, the police have sent him another summon.

#BREAKING Mumbai's Khar Police Station has issued a second summon to YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, asking him to appear for questioning tomorrow. Earlier today, he was asked to record his statement by 3 PM, but he failed to appear. As a result, the police have sent him another… pic.twitter.com/zfCRz44TT7

— IANS (@ians_india) February 13, 2025

The investigation follows an FIR filed by the Maharashtra Cyber Department over allegations of offensive content. Nilotpal Mrinal Pandey, a functionary of the Maharashtra BJP’s Uttar Bhartiya Morcha, lodged a complaint against Allahbadia and others. He alleged that derogatory language was used against persons with disabilities on the show. Being a person with a disability himself, he demanded strict action.

A team from the Assam Police is also in Mumbai to investigate the controversy. Officials visited the Khar Police Station on Wednesday and met senior police officers. The Guwahati Police had registered a case against Allahbadia and four others on Monday.

The Maharashtra Cyber Department has summoned more than 40 individuals, including comedian Samay Raina, who hosts India’s Got Latent. Others summoned include guests and judges who appeared in past episodes. The cyber police issued notices on Tuesday and have begun recording statements. Seven people, including social media influencers and Allahbadia’s manager, have already appeared before the police. The remaining individuals, including Allahbadia, are expected to record their statements by Thursday. Those currently out of town are also likely to appear in the coming days.

Read Also | India’s Got Latent Controversy: Samay Raina Summoned Again by Maharashtra Cyber Cell

The controversy erupted after Allahbadia, known as "BeerBiceps," made a comment in a recent episode of India’s Got Latent, featuring comedian Samay Raina, YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani, and social media influencer Apoorva Makhija.

During the show, he asked a contestant, "Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?"  The video was later removed from YouTube after the government issued a notice. Multiple police complaints were filed against him. Politicians cutting across party lines criticised the podcaster, who has 3.4 million followers on Instagram and 1.04 crore YouTube subscribers.

After the backlash, Allahbadia issued a public apology, calling his comments a "lapse of judgment." He said, "My comment wasn't just inappropriate, it wasn't even funny. Comedy is not my forte. I am just here to say sorry."

Raina on Wednesday responded to the controversy. "Everything that is 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," he wrote on X.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned Allahbadia, Raina, Mukhija, Chanchlani, and others involved in the show. They have been asked to appear before the commission on February 17 in New Delhi.