Guwahati Police register FIR against Ranveer, Samay over 'Latent' controversy
What's the story
The Guwahati Police have filed cases against five YouTubers, including Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the news on Monday on X/Twitter. The influencers are accused of promoting obscenity through "sexually explicit and vulgar discussions" on the show India's Got Latent. The development comes after widespread outrage over an offensive remark made by Allahbadia during a recent episode of the online show.
Legal proceedings
Sarma detailed charges against YouTubers on X
On X (formerly Twitter), Sarma elaborated on the charges against the YouTubers. "Today, @GuwahatiPol has registered an FIR against certain YouTubers and social influencers, namely Shri Ashish Chanchlani, Shri Jaspreet Singh, Shri Apoorva Makhija, Shri Ranveer Allahbadia, Shri Samay Raina," he wrote. He added that the Guwahati Crime Branch has launched an investigation under various sections of BNS 2023, IT Act 2000, and Cinematograph Act 1952.
Twitter Post
Read Sarma's tweet here
Today @GuwahatiPol has registered an FIR against against certain Youtubers and social Influencers, namely
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) February 10, 2025
1. Shri Ashish Chanchlani
2. Shri Jaspreet Singh
3. Shri Apoorva Makhija
4. Shri Ranveer Allahbadia
5. Shri Samay Raina and others
for promoting obscenity and engaging in…
Apology issued
Allahbadia apologized for his offensive remark
Earlier today, Allahbadia, who has nearly 10.5 million subscribers on YouTube, apologized after the backlash. He admitted that comedy was not his strong suit. "I am not going to give any context or justification or reasoning behind whatever happened," he said, promising to do better. The controversial comment was made on India's Got Latent, a YouTube reality show famous for its provocative content and hosted by comedian Raina. Allahbadia was a guest judge.
Regulatory appeal
NCW urged stricter regulations on OTT platforms
In related news, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has demanded stricter regulations to curb the proliferation of obscene content on Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms and social media streaming sites. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote a letter to Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, calling for immediate action. Before this, on Sunday, the Hindu IT Cell had lodged a complaint against Raina and Allahbadia.