Apoorva Makhija, also known as "The Rebel Kid," appeared at Khar Police Station on Wednesday with her lawyer after being summoned again to record her statement. The investigation into the India’s Got Latent controversy has intensified as authorities reaching out to individuals involved in the show.
On Tuesday, police recorded the statement of popular YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani regarding the case. The show’s creator, Samay Raina, remains out of the country, making it difficult for investigators to contact him. Meanwhile, police have spoken to the manager of YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, who is at the center of the controversy. The manager has been summoned to give an official statement.
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The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has registered an FIR against more than 30 people associated with India’s Got Latent. The National Commission for Women has summoned YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, Apoorva Makhija, Jaspreet Singh, and Ashish Chanchlani. Show producers Tushar Poojari and Saurabh Bothra have also been called to appear before the commission on February 17 at its office in Delhi over alleged derogatory remarks made on the show.
The controversy erupted after Allahbadia, also known as "BeerBiceps," made a comment in a recent episode that sparked outrage. The video was later removed from YouTube after the government issued a notice. Police complaints have been filed in Mumbai and Guwahati against Allahbadia, Raina, Makhija, and others involved.
Allahbadia may also be called before a parliamentary panel. Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, a member of the Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting, said she would raise the issue in Parliament. She criticized offensive content in comedy, stating that free speech does not permit crossing ethical boundaries.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also addressed the controversy. He stated that freedom of speech must not infringe on others' rights and warned that action would be taken if limits were crossed.
Following widespread criticism, Allahbadia issued an apology. He admitted that his comment was inappropriate and not humorous. In a video message, he acknowledged a lapse in judgment and stated that he never intended to misuse his platform.