YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, known for his BeerBiceps
channel, has been summoned by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell to appear on February
24. This comes amid an ongoing investigation into controversial remarks he made
during an episode of stand-up comedian Samay Raina’s web show, India’s Got
Latent. The remarks, which sparked backlash on social media, led to
multiple police cases being filed against Allahbadia and others involved in the
show.
Maharashtra Cyber Cell Proceeds with Investigation
According to reports, the Maharashtra Cyber Cell is actively
looking into complaints filed against Allahbadia and his co-panelists for
allegedly offensive comments. The show, known for its dark humor and adult
themes, has come under intense scrutiny, with critics calling for strict action
against the participants.
Stand-up comedian Samay Raina, who is also under
investigation, had requested to provide his statement via videoconferencing, as
he is currently in the United States. However, authorities have denied his
request, asking him to appear in person before February 18. This decision
indicates that officials want a direct interaction with the accused rather than
a virtual statement.
Ranveer Allahbadia Expresses Fear Over Death Threats
As tensions escalate, Ranveer Allahbadia has claimed that he
and his family are receiving serious threats. Expressing his concerns, he
reiterated his apology while emphasizing that he is willing to cooperate with
authorities.
“I take full responsibility for my words and deeply regret
my remarks. It was never my intention to offend anyone. I will comply with all
legal proceedings,” he stated.
However, Allahbadia also shared his fear regarding threats
against his family.
“I am seeing threats from people saying they want to harm me
and my family. My mother’s clinic was even approached by individuals posing as
patients. I am scared, but I am not running away. I trust the legal system and
will face this with full responsibility,” he added.
Legal Actions and Police Investigations
Following the outrage, multiple cases have been filed
against Allahbadia, Raina, and others featured in India’s Got Latent.
Both Mumbai and Assam Police have launched separate investigations, with a team
from Guwahati currently in Mumbai to probe the matter further.
Recently, Mumbai Police officials visited Allahbadia’s
residence, only to find it locked. They also attempted to reach him via phone,
but his number was reportedly switched off. Meanwhile, several others
associated with the show, including content creator Apoorva Mukhija, have
already provided statements to law enforcement.
Public Debate: Free Speech vs. Accountability
The controversy surrounding India’s Got Latent has
ignited a broader conversation about freedom of speech and content regulation.
Supporters argue that the show was explicitly marketed as dark humor and
intended for a mature audience. They believe viewers had the choice to engage
or ignore the content instead of calling for legal intervention.
Conversely, critics argue that influencers and content
creators should be mindful of their words, especially when discussing sensitive
topics. They contend that public figures hold significant influence, and their
statements can have real-world consequences.
What Lies Ahead?
With Allahbadia set to appear before the Maharashtra Cyber
Cell on February 24, the case continues to unfold. Additionally, Samay Raina’s
next move remains uncertain, as authorities insist he must appear in person
before February 18.
This controversy could potentially reshape regulations
surrounding online content in India. It remains to be seen whether stricter
guidelines will be introduced to prevent similar incidents in the future. For
now, the focus remains on the legal proceedings and how authorities handle the
matter in the coming days.