Guwahati (Assam) [India], April 6: Stand-up comedian Samay Raina appeared before the Guwahati Crime Branch on Saturday in connection with a case registered against him and several other social media influencers for allegedly promoting obscenity through the YouTube show India’s Got Latent.
Raina had previously informed authorities that he was unable to attend due to his ongoing international comedy tour. However, he has now returned and complied with the summons to record his statement with the investigating officer.
Ankur Jain, Joint Police Commissioner of Guwahati, confirmed to ANI that Raina was questioned, and his statement has been documented as part of the ongoing investigation.
The case, registered on February 10 by the Guwahati Police, names several popular YouTubers and influencers including Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, Apoorva Makhija, Ranveer Allahbadia, and Samay Raina. They are accused of using sexually explicit and vulgar content on the show, which has been widely circulated online.
The FIR was filed under Cyber PS Case No. 03/2025, citing multiple legal provisions—Sections 79/95/294/296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, along with Section 67 of the IT Act, 2000, Sections 4/7 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and Sections 4/6 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
Other accused, including Ashish Chanchlani and Apoorva Makhija, have also appeared before the Guwahati Crime Branch to record their statements. Rakesh Sawant, another participant in the show, was recently questioned by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell.
Due to the ongoing controversy, Samay Raina announced via Instagram that his India tour has been postponed. “Hello guys, I am rescheduling my India tour. You all will get the refunds shortly, see you soon,” he wrote.
Joint Commissioner Jain added that notices had been served to all individuals named in the FIR, but not all have responded so far. “We are proceeding as per legal protocols, and appropriate action will follow,” he said.
The controversy intensified after a remark by podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia about a contestant’s parents went viral, sparking widespread backlash. Allahbadia later issued a public apology, saying, “My comment wasn’t just inappropriate, it wasn’t even funny. Comedy is not my forte—I am just here to say sorry.”
He also addressed concerns regarding his influence on youth audiences, stating, “Family is the last thing I would ever disrespect. I’ll be more responsible going forward.”
The investigation into the show and its content continues, with authorities scrutinizing the role of each participant in promoting objectionable material.