Maharashtra Cyber Cell issues second summons to Samay Raina in 'India’s Got Latent' row

NEW DELHI: The Maharashtra Cyber Department has confirmed that a second summons will be issued to YouTuber Samay Raina after he failed to appear for a scheduled statement recording on February 18 in connection with the controversy surrounding the podcast ‘India’s Got Latent’.
The department stated that the fresh summons would be sent on Tuesday, ensuring Raina's presence for the inquiry.

Raina had earlier requested permission to record his statement via videoconferencing, citing that he is currently in the United States and unable to return to India before March 17 due to prior commitments. However, the cyber cell rejected his request, insisting that he must appear in person.
The controversy erupted after podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, who appeared as a guest on ‘India’s Got Latent’, made an inappropriate remark to a contestant, asking, "Would you rather watch your parents… or join in once and stop it forever?"
The comment sparked massive outrage, leading to formal complaints against Allahbadia, Raina, comedian Apoorva Makhija, and the show’s organizers.
Following the backlash, multiple FIRs were filed across states, including Maharashtra and Assam. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that the Guwahati Police had registered a case against the accused for promoting obscenity and inappropriate content.
On February 18, the Supreme Court strongly condemned Allahbadia’s remarks, with Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh calling them "dirty and perverted." The bench noted that such statements were deeply shameful and warned that popularity does not grant impunity.
Allahbadia subsequently moved the Supreme Court seeking to club the FIRs filed against him. While the bench acknowledged his plea, it granted interim protection from arrest on the condition that he cooperates with investigations. He was also directed to surrender his passport and cannot leave the country without permission.
In response to the growing outrage, Raina took to Instagram, expressing regret and stating that his intention was only to entertain.
"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. I will fully cooperate with all agencies," he wrote.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court also raised concerns over inappropriate content on YouTube and urged the government to take action.
Justice Surya Kant remarked, "We would like you (government) to do something. Otherwise, we are not going to leave this vacuum and barren area the way it is being misused."
The Maharashtra Women’s Commission welcomed the Supreme Court’s stern stance, with chairperson Rupali Chakankar praising the intervention, especially the orders to halt such controversial content.
The Commission had earlier written to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, seeking a detailed inquiry into the incident.