‘Latent’ row: Maharashtra Cyber to again summon Allahbadia as he fails to appear before agency
Mumbai, Feb 13 (PTI): Maharashtra Cyber, a cyber and information security division, will again summon Ranveer Allahbadia to record his statement as he did not appear before the agency in the case registered against him concerning a YouTube show, an official said on Thursday.
The agency is investigating the case registered against Allahbadia and others after the YouTuber triggered a massive uproar with his objectionable remarks on comic Samay Raina’s web show ‘India’s Got Latent’.
Allahbadia had been summoned to record his statement but did not turn up. The Maharashtra Cyber will summon him soon for one more time, the official said.
The official said Maharashtra Cyber has so far summoned at least 50 persons to record their statements in connection with the case. They include those who participated in the show, he said.
On Thursday, actor and film personality Raghu Ram was questioned by the Maharashtra Cyber, the official said, adding that Raina had been called to record his statement on February 18. Raina has sought some time as he is currently in the US for his shows, said the official.
Raghu Ram was on the judges panel of Raina’s show. He visited the agency’s office at World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, in south Mumbai around 4 pm and left at 6.10 pm. Raghu Ram told media persons that he had recorded his statement with the agency.
Asked what he felt about the episode, the TV personality said “what I feel does not matter” and left the place.
The Mumbai police, which have also initiated an inquiry concerning the controversy, have asked Raina to appear before them on February 17.
Allahbadia was asked to remain present at the Khar police station here on Friday after he failed to appear, an official said. Allahbadia had requested the police to record his statement at his residence, but it was denied, he said.
Allahbadia, 31, stirred a major controversy with distasteful comments on parents and sex on Raina’s YouTube show ‘India’s Got Latent’ that went viral on social media on Monday.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
