Samay Raina issued second summons in 'India's Got Latent' row
What's the story
Popular YouTuber and comedian Samay Raina has been summoned by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell to record his statement in the ongoing controversy of his show India's Got Latent.
The summons, dated Monday, comes after podcast host Ranveer Allahbadia's vulgar comment on the show triggered protests and outrage.
Raina was supposed to appear before Cyber Cell on March 17 but couldn't, due to his international comedy tour in the US and Canada.
In-person appearance
Raina's request for video statement was denied
Raina had earlier asked to record his statement through videoconferencing, owing to his international commitments. However, the Cyber Cell had rejected his plea and demanded a personal appearance.
The comedian has now been given time until Wednesday to return to Mumbai and record his statement before the Cyber Cell.
Since the controversy broke out, multiple FIRs have been lodged against Raina.
Statement and cancelations
Raina's response to controversy and show cancelations
In his first statement post-controversy, Raina wrote on social media, "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."
Subsequently, all episodes of India's Got Latent were removed from his YouTube channel.
Show cancelations
'UNfiltered' shows canceled; refunds issued
Raina's upcoming Delhi shows, UNfiltered, on March 21 and March 23, have also been canceled amid the controversy. The shows were sold out through advance booking.
Ticket holders were informed by ticketing partner BookMyShow that their refunds would be processed within 7 to 10 days.
The controversy began after Allahbadia made an inappropriate comment on the show, prompting Cyber Cell to investigate potential violations related to the show's content.
Legal proceedings
Supreme Court's intervention in the controversy
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court had allowed Allahbadia, aka BeerBiceps, to continue working on his podcasts.
However, the SC had also strongly criticized his "filthy language" and ordered him to exercise caution regarding his content.
The apex court allowed Allahbadia to continue broadcasting his podcast, The Ranveer Show, while maintaining decorum.