Rakhi Sawant, Ranveer Allahbadia summoned by Maha Cyber Cell in India's Got Latent controversy
Mumbai: Actress Rakhi Sawant and YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chanchlani have been summoned by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell in connection with the ongoing controversy surrounding the show India's Got Latent. The trio, who appeared in a controversial episode of the show, have been asked to record their statements.
Yashasvi Yadav, IG of the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, confirmed that Rakhi Sawant has been summoned to appear on February 27. However, it remains unclear whether Sawant, who has reportedly relocated to Dubai, will return to Mumbai for the investigation.
Ashish Chanchlani and Ranveer Allahbadia have been called to record their statements on February 24. While Chanchlani has kept a low profile since the controversy erupted, Allahbadia has reportedly been unreachable, with his phone switched off and his residence locked.
Comedian Samay Raina, the showrunner of India’s Got Latent, has also been summoned but requested an extension until March 17 due to an ongoing tour in Canada and the US. His request for a virtual statement was denied.
The controversy began when Ranveer Allahbadia, appearing as a guest on the show, made an inappropriate remark during a segment, asking a contestant: "Would you rather watch your parents have sex for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?"
The comment sparked outrage among viewers, who accused the show’s creators and participants of promoting vulgarity. Multiple complaints and FIRs were subsequently filed against Allahbadia, Raina, and others involved with the show.
In response, Raina deleted all episodes of India's Got Latent from his YouTube channel and expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation. Allahbadia also issued a public apology, acknowledging a lapse in judgment during the episode.
The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has announced that 30–40 individuals involved in the first six episodes of the show will be summoned as part of the investigation.
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India, Vietnam elevate ties to enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership; set USD 25 bn
New Delhi (PTI): India and Vietnam on Wednesday elevated their ties to an enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership and set a USD 25 billion annual trade target by 2030 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese President To Lam held talks focusing on expanding bilateral ties in areas of trade, defence, and critical minerals in the face of increasing geopolitical upheavals.
Following the Modi-Lam meeting, the two sides signed as many as 13 agreements which will provide for deeper two ways engagements in a range of areas including digital payments, rare earth minerals, pharmaceuticals, education, banking and culture.
Modi and Lam also deliberated on the situation in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing assertiveness in the region, and agreed to continue to contribute to the rule-of-law, peace, stability, and prosperity.
It is understood that China's growing military muscle-flexing in the South China Sea also figured in the delegation-level talks between the two sides.
Elected as president earlier this month, Lam began his first state visit to India on Tuesday, leading a high-level delegation for a three-day trip.
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"A decade ago, Vietnam became India's first comprehensive strategic partner in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) . Since then, our relations have made rapid and comprehensive progress," Modi said in his media statement.
"Building on this strong foundation, today we are elevating our relations to the level of Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We will now advance our partnership to even higher goals," he said.
"Our cooperation will reach new levels in every area ' culture, connectivity, and capacity building, as well as security, sustainability, and supply chain resilience," Modi added.
He noted that the bilateral trade between India and Vietnam has doubled in the last decade to reach USD 16 billion and that the target now is to increase it to USD 25 billion by 2030.
Modi also cited a plethora of agreements signed between the two countries to emphasis that the economic engagement is expected to witness a significant upswing going forward.
"The MoU between our drug authorities will now increase access to Indian medicines in Vietnam. Exports of Indian agricultural, fisheries, and animal products to Vietnam are also set to become easier. Very soon, Vietnam will taste India's grapes and pomegranates," he said.
The two sides also agreed to update the India-ASEAN trade agreement by the end of this year.
"This will provide a new impetus to trade and investment between India and all ASEAN countries. New initiatives in critical minerals, rare earths, and energy cooperation will ensure the economic security and supply chain resilience of both countries," Modi said.
"To boost financial connectivity, we have today decided to enhance cooperation between our central banks. India's UPI and Vietnam's fast payment systems will soon be linked. Furthermore, we are strengthening state-to-state and city-to-city cooperation between the two countries," he noted.
Modi said India is grateful to Vietnam for its strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and standing with India in its fight against terrorism.
"In this era of global turmoil and economic challenges, thanks to their talent, good governance, and economic reforms, India and Vietnam are emerging as the world's fastest-growing economies," he said.
"Now, through our enhanced strategic partnership, we will support each other's rapid growth. As the Buddha's teachings say, 'If you light a lamp for someone else, it also illuminates your own path'," Modi said.
He also described Vietnam a a key pillar of India's Act East Policy and Vision Ocean.
"In the Indo-Pacific region as well, we share a common outlook. Through our strengthening defence and security cooperation, we will continue to contribute to the rule-of-law, peace, stability, and prosperity," he said.
The prime minister said India will broaden its relations with ASEAN with Vietnam's cooperation.
In his remarks, Lam said both sides agreed to deepen political trust and elevate security cooperation.
Last year, the two sides inked a pact to set up a framework for submarine search, rescue and support mechanism. They also signed a letter of intent (LoI) to strengthen bilateral defence industry collaboration.
