Maharashtra police summons YouTubers and actor amid controversy

The Maharashtra Police's Cyber Cell has issued summons to YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as Beer Biceps, and Ashish Chanchlani, as well as actor Rakhi Sawant, following a controversy sparked by Mr. Allahbadia's remarks on the "India's Got Latent" YouTube show hosted by Samay Raina.

Mr. Allahbadia and Mr. Chanchlani have been called to appear on February 24, while Ms. Sawant is scheduled for February 27. Rakhi Sawant appeared as a guest on one of the show's episodes.

The controversy escalated after several FIRs were filed against Mr. Allahbadia for making comments about parents and sex on the show. The Supreme Court has granted protection to Mr. Allahbadia from arrest and additional FIRs, although it criticized him for displaying a lack of respect for societal values, remarking that he expressed reprehensible thoughts.

In addition, the Supreme Court has tagged Mr. Chanchlani's petition, which seeks to quash or transfer an FIR registered in Guwahati on charges of promoting obscenity online, to Mumbai. Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh requested responses from the Maharashtra and Assam governments regarding this matter. Meanwhile, the Gauhati High Court granted Mr. Chanchlani interim bail and instructed him to meet the investigating officer within 10 days while his anticipatory bail petition is considered.