YouTuber Samay Raina summoned for the second time by Maharashtra’s cyber cell over podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s controversial remark on India’s Got Latent. A viral clip featuring a shocking question about parental intimacy triggered outrage, leading to legal action and debates on free speech. While Allahbadia apologized, Raina deleted all episodes and assured cooperation. The case has now reached Parliament, with authorities summoning over 40 people, including influencers and show producers.
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MUMBAI: YouTuber Samay Raina received a second summon this week from Maharashtra’s cyber cell in connection with the controversy surrounding podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s comment on his YouTube show, India’s Got Latent.
Mr. Raina, who is currently in the United States, has informed that he will return on March 17 and has requested additional time to respond to the summons.
Before this controversy, Mr. Allahbadia had over 16 million followers across various social media platforms. However, he faced heavy criticism after a clip from the show went viral. The video contained a controversial statement about intimacy between parents, sparking a heated debate on freedom of speech and societal decency.
The viral clip shows Mr. Allahbadia asking 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.”
Following the backlash, he issued a public apology, describing his comment as a “lapse in judgment.” Despite this, Mr. Raina decided to delete all episodes of India’s Got Latent from YouTube and assured full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. However, the controversy is far from over.
Mumbai Police have already recorded statements from seven individuals, including social media influencer Apoorva Makhija. Authorities have also confirmed that Mr. Allahbadia is expected to appear before them within a day or two.
Additionally, the Maharashtra Cyber Department has summoned more than 40 people, including participants and judges from previous episodes, to join the investigation.
Meanwhile, Guwahati Police have also registered a case against Mr. Allahbadia and four others. A special team has been sent to Mumbai to investigate further.
The Assam Police team is going from Mumbai to Pune. Samay Raina lives in Balewadi, Pune. They will serve notice at his home and ask him to appear in Guwahati in four days. However, yesterday, Samay Raina’s lawyer informed the Cyber Cell that Samay Raina is in America and will return on 17th March.
The issue has even reached the Parliament, where Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske raised concerns and called for stricter regulations on social media content.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the matter, stating that although he has not seen the viral clip, he emphasized the importance of responsible speech.
“Everyone has the freedom of speech but our freedom ends when we encroach upon the freedom of others… In our society, we have made some rules, it is absolutely wrong if someone violates them. Action should be taken against them,”
-he said.
Furthermore, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned Mr. Allahbadia, Mr. Raina, Ms. Makhija, comedians Jaspreet Singh and Ashish Chanchlani, along with the show’s producers Tushar Poojari and Saurabh Bothra, to appear before it on February 17 in New Delhi.
If Samay Raina is absconding and fails to respond to multiple summons, law enforcement agencies have several legal options to ensure his compliance:
1. Issuing Multiple Summons:
Authorities can continue to issue summons under relevant sections of the law, giving him a chance to appear voluntarily.
2. Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW):
If he repeatedly ignores summons, the police can approach the court to issue a non-bailable warrant (NBW), compelling him to appear.
3. Lookout Circular (LOC):
Since Raina is currently abroad, agencies can issue a Lookout Circular (LOC), which would alert immigration authorities at all Indian airports, preventing him from leaving or entering unnoticed.
4. Red Corner Notice (RCN) via Interpol:
If he remains abroad and evades investigation, authorities can request Interpol to issue a Red Corner Notice (RCN), leading to his detention in another country.
5. Property Attachment (Under Section 82 & 83 CrPC):
If he is officially declared an absconder by the court, the police can initiate proceedings under Section 82 (proclamation for an absconder) and Section 83 (attachment of property) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). This allows them to seize his assets.
6. Extradition Request (If He Is in a Treaty Country):
If Raina is in a country with which India has an extradition treaty, the Indian government can formally request his extradition through diplomatic channels.
7. Canceling Passport & Revoking Visa:
Authorities can request the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to cancel his passport, making his stay abroad illegal and forcing him to return.
8. Declaring Him a Fugitive Economic Offender (If Financial Crimes Are Involved):
In cases where financial fraud or economic offenses are involved, the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (2018) can be applied, leading to the seizure of his assets globally.
If Raina continues to avoid appearing before authorities, these legal measures can be escalated to ensure compliance with the investigation.
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