The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has summoned YouTuber Samay Raina for the second time this week over a controversy involving podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks on his YouTube show India’s Got Latent. Raina, who is currently in the United States, has informed authorities that he will return on March 17 and has requested more time to respond.
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.
The Mumbai Police have recorded statements from seven individuals, including social media influencer Apoorva Makhija. Allahbadia is expected to appear before investigators in the coming days. Officials said the Maharashtra Cyber Department has summoned over 40 people, including participants and judges from previous episodes of the show.
Meanwhile, the Guwahati Police have also registered a case against Allahbadia and four others. A team has been sent to Mumbai to assist in the investigation.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also summoned YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, Apoorva Makhija, Jaspreet Singh, and Ashish Chanchlani, along with the show’s producers, Tushar Poojari and Saurabh Bothra. They have been asked to appear before the commission on February 17 at its office in Delhi.
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.