Maharashtra Cyber Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against over 30 YouTubers and social media influencers associated with the show ‘India’s Got Latent,’ hosted by comedian Samay Raina. Prominent figures named in the FIR include Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as ‘BeerBiceps,’ and Ashish Chanchlani. The action stems from allegations of inappropriate content disseminated through the show.
The controversy ignited when a particular episode featured Ranveer Allahbadia posing an offensive question to a contestant, which many viewers found distasteful and disrespectful. The episode also included other content creators such as Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Mukhija. The remarks made during the show quickly went viral, leading to widespread public outrage and condemnation.
In response to the public outcry, the Maharashtra Women’s Commission has taken a firm stance. The Commission has submitted a letter to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, urging the registration of a case against Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia, Apoorva Mukhija, and others involved. They have also called for measures to ban the show, citing that it contained insensitive remarks that demeaned and humiliated women. Roopali Chakankar, the Chairperson of the Commission, emphasized the need for appropriate action to address the issue.
Amid the escalating controversy, Ranveer Allahbadia issued a public apology. In a video message, he acknowledged his lapse in judgment, stating, “I, personally, had a lapse in judgment. It wasn’t cool on my part.” He admitted that comedy isn’t his forte and expressed regret for any offense caused. Allahbadia also emphasized his respect for family values and assured his audience that this incident does not reflect how he intends to use his platform. He concluded by stating that he had requested the removal of the insensitive sections from the video.
The Maharashtra Cyber Police have taken proactive steps by requesting YouTube to delete all videos linked to ‘India’s Got Latent.’ This move aims to prevent further dissemination of the contentious content and mitigate any additional public distress.
This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the responsibilities of digital content creators and the ethical boundaries of humor. It underscores the importance of sensitivity and respect in content creation, especially given the vast and diverse audience that platforms like YouTube cater to. As the investigation progresses, it serves as a reminder of the impact words can have and the importance of maintaining decorum in public discourse.
