Ranveer Allahbadia Faces Legal Heat as Mumbai, Assam Police Arrive at His Residence

Mumbai: In a significant development, police teams from Mumbai and Guwahati arrived at the residence of popular podcaster and social media personality Ranveer Allahbadia, widely known as 'BeerBiceps,' on Friday. Allahbadia is facing legal scrutiny following allegations of obscenity and offending public morality, stemming from his appearance on the stand-up comedy show India's Got Latent.

However, the authorities found his Mumbai residence locked upon arrival, leaving them unable to question him.

Police Investigation and Summons

According to a police officer, Mumbai law enforcement officials had initiated an inquiry and visited Allahbadia’s apartment in Versova for questioning. Previously, the podcaster had been summoned to appear at Mumbai’s Khar Police Station on Thursday. However, he requested that his statement be recorded at his home— a request that was denied. After failing to appear, a second summons was issued, prompting the police visit.

The Guwahati Police, acting on a complaint filed by a local resident, also sought to interrogate Allahbadia for allegedly promoting obscene content on a widely accessible online platform. Left with no choice, both police teams returned to the Khar Police Station after finding the residence locked.

Legal Action and Supreme Court Appeal

While Allahbadia was unavailable for questioning, his legal counsel, Abhinav Chandrachud, son of former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, moved the Supreme Court seeking relief from multiple complaints lodged against him. He also requested that all the cases be clubbed together.

An early hearing was sought but was denied by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, citing that a date had already been set. Additionally, Allahbadia applied for anticipatory bail to avoid potential arrest by the Guwahati Police.

Expanding Probe and Other Involved Personalities

The controversy has ensnared other notable personalities, including stand-up comedian Samay Raina, who hosts India’s Got Latent. Raina has been summoned by Mumbai Police and Maharashtra’s Cyber Department, which is conducting an independent investigation. However, Raina, currently in the United States, has requested additional time to appear before authorities.

Other individuals linked to the controversial episode include YouTube personality Apoorva Makhija and social media influencer Ashish Chanchalani. Statements from at least seven individuals have been recorded so far, with video editor Pratham Sagar next in line for questioning. Notably, the Cyber Department has summoned 50 individuals, including TV personality Raghu Ram, who served as a judge on the show.

Apology and Public Reaction

Amid the escalating backlash, Allahbadia released a video apology, acknowledging his mistake.

"My comment wasn’t just inappropriate… it wasn’t even funny. Comedy is not my forte, and I am just here to say sorry," he stated, refraining from offering any justification for his remarks. He admitted to a "lapse in judgment" and expressed regret for his actions.

Government and Institutional Response

The controversy has drawn attention from lawmakers and women’s rights organizations. The parliamentary panel on Information and Communications Technology has directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to submit a detailed report by February 17. Additionally, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned Allahbadia, citing that his remarks violated the dignity and respect of individuals.

As legal proceedings unfold, the case continues to spark debate over content responsibility and the consequences of online influence in India.