Comedian Samay Raina appeared in front of the Maharashtra cyber cell officials on Monday, over a month after an FIR was filed against him in the India's Got Latent row. The comedian was not in India when the FIR was filed and thus, he could not record his statement with the officials despite being summoned multiple times.
On Monday afternoon, Samay was seen reaching the Maharashtra cyber cell office in Mahape. He made a quiet entry and refrained from appearing in front of or interacting with the media.
Earlier, the Maharashtra cyber cell had recorded the statements of Ranveer Allahbadia, Apoorva Mukhija and Ashish Chanchlani, who were also a part of the controversial episode of India's Got Latent, which caused a nationwide stir.
Samay was in Canada for his live shows ever since the India's Got Latent controversy erupted in India. While the others named in the FIR recorded their statements, Samay had sought time till March 17 to appear before the authorities and record his statement.
What is the India's Got Latent controversy?
For those unversed, it all began after YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia made an objectionable comment during his appearance as a special guest on Samay's India's Got Latent. He asked a contestant, "Would you rather watch your parents have sex for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?"
He, along with the other panellists, Apoorva Mukhija and Ashish Chanchlani, was condemned for the distasteful remark. Though the YouTuber quickly apologised, multiple FIRs were filed against him, along with Samay, Apoorva and Ashish.
As Samay sought time till March 17, the authorities rejected his plea to record his statement virtually. The Maharashtra Cyber Cell then issued him a second summons on March 19, but the comedian failed to comply. He was then issued a third summons, asking him to appear on March 24.
Meanwhile, Samay has cancelled all shows of his India Tour until further notice and informed his fans that their money would be refunded.
