Raghu Ram, the creator of MTV’s Roadies and a panellist on one of the episodes of comedian Samay Raina’s YouTube show India’s Got Latent, was questioned by the police on Thursday. He appeared at the Maharashtra Cyber Police office where he recorded his statement.
The case stems from obscene remarks made by YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia on the show. Police have booked around 40 individuals in connection with the incident. In addition, the Maharashtra Cyber Cell has once again issued summons to Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, Apoorva Makhija, and all the panellists of the show for questioning.
On the other hand, in this case case, the Khar police issued a second summons to Ranveer Allahbadia, asking him to appear on Friday (February 14). They had previously summoned him to appear on Thursday, but he did not comply.
A police officer stated, “We have recorded six individuals’ statements in this matter. On Thursday, Allahabadi’s advocate approached us, but he did not appear before us. We have sent him a second summons. So far, an FIR has not been filed as we are still inquiring into the matter.” The Khar police recorded statements of Ashish Chanchlani, Apoorva Makhija, Tushar Pujari, father of the Habitat Studio’ owner and two more individuals.
Meanwhile, the Guwahati Police have summoned Ranveer Allahbadia, Ashish Chanchlani, Apoorva Makhija, Samay Raina, and others related to these cases. The Guwahati police are currently in Mumbai, conducting the investigation.
Ankur Jain, Joint Commissioner of Police, Assam, told the media, “We received a complaint that participants in the India’s Got Latent show made vulgar statements. Our Cyber Cell registered a case based on preliminary evidence. Our team is in Mumbai. Within four days, the accused should provide their statements in Guwahati.”
However, an Assam police officer went to Pune to serve a summons to Raina, as he resides there. But currently, Raina is in America.
Cybercrime expert and criminal lawyer at the Bombay High Court, Prashant Mali, posted on X, “Maharashtra Cyber has now taken up the case and plans to summon all 30 guests who have participated in the India’s Got Latent show since its inception. I feel this is overkill. To milk the situation, cyber frauds and getting money for victims also require this level of dedication.”
