Mumbai, Feb 17: Maharashtra's Cyber Cell has summoned YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia to appear before it on February 24. The cell is investigating the case filed against him and others after Allahbadia made controversial remarks on the show India's Got Latent, sparking widespread outrage.
Comedian Samay Raina has also been asked to appear before the Cyber Cell tomorrow. Multiple FIRs have been registered against Allahbadia, Raina, and other participants of the show following backlash over Allahbadia's question to a contestant: “Would you rather watch your parents… or join in once and stop it forever?”
The National Commission for Women (NCW) is also looking into the matter and has issued summons to Allahbadia, Raina, and others. However, several of those summoned did not appear before the commission today, citing safety concerns, previous travel commitments, and other logistical challenges.
Allahbadia informed the Commission that he had been receiving death threats and requested a new hearing date, which the Commission has rescheduled for March 6. Similarly, Apoorva Mukhija expressed concerns for her safety and requested to attend the hearing virtually. Her lawyer communicated that she would attend in person once the situation stabilizes. The Commission has accepted this and rescheduled her hearing for March 6.
Jaspreet Singh, who is currently on tour in Paris, requested a reschedule due to his travel and stated he would cooperate with the Commission after March 10. The Commission has set his hearing for March 11.
Ashish Chanchlani did not attend the hearing personally, with his lawyer stating that Chanchlani was unwell. The Commission accepted his request and has rescheduled the hearing for March 6.
Tushar Poojari, producer of India's Got Talent, and Saurabh Bothra failed to respond to the Commission’s notice, drawing strong condemnation from the NCW. They have now been re-summoned for a hearing on March 6, 2025.
Balraj Ghai, who is currently abroad, informed the Commission that he would respond once he returns. His hearing has been rescheduled for March 11, 2025. Samay Raina, who is also overseas for a preplanned tour, assured the Commission he would be available for a hearing upon his return to India, and his hearing has been rescheduled for March 11.
This controversy has led to a formal complaint being filed with both the Mumbai Commissioner and the Maharashtra Women’s Commission. The complaint alleges that the show used offensive language and made obscene remarks about women to gain popularity and financial benefits from online broadcasts.
The NCW condemned the remarks, asserting that they violated the dignity and respect owed to every individual. The Commission has instructed the accused to cooperate fully with the proceedings and attend the hearings as instructed.
(With agency inputs)
