India’s Got Latent controversy: Cyber police record statement of Shashwat Maheshwari

New Delhi: As investigations into the much-talked-about India’s Got Latent case continue, social media influencers, including stand-up comedians who appeared on Samay Raina’s show, have come under the radar of probing officials. The Maharashtra Cyber Police on Thursday (February 20, 2025) recorded the statement of Shashwat Maheshwari. According to the latest developments, statements of three individuals have been recorded so far, including Raghu Ram and Devesh Dixit.

Apoorva Mukhija is expected to appear before the Cyber Police on Friday (February 21, 2025) to record her statement. The Cyber Police have sent a letter to YouTube, leading to the removal of the show’s episodes and putting a halt to further broadcasts.

Following the controversy, India’s Got Latent creator Raina removed all episodes from YouTube. The renowned comedian made this announcement on social media. Also, the Cyber Police have prohibited Maheshwari and his associates from uploading any episodes of the show on YouTube or other platforms until further notice.

Meanwhile, YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia has received two summons from the Cyber Police and three from Khar Police for statement recording. However, he has not yet appeared before any investigating agency.

The controversy erupted when Allahbadia made an inappropriate remark in one of the episodes of India’s Got Latent, asking an indecent question to a contestant. Following massive backlash on social media, he later issued an apology.

The Maharashtra Cyber Cell had earlier summoned Allahbadia to record his statement, but he failed to appear at the police station. As a result, the police have now issued a fresh summons for him to appear on Monday (February 24, 2025).

Samay Raina’s troubles continue

Raina, on the other hand, requested the police to allow him to record his statement via video conferencing, but the Cyber Cell rejected his request. The Cyber Police claim to have identified 40 other individuals who were part of the show, including Rakhi Sawant, Maheep Singh, and Deepak Kalal. Individuals who participated as panel members on India’s Got Latent at any point in the show may also be summoned.