From Cyber Cell Questioning To CM Felicitation : Samay Raina Turns ‘Maha Cyber’ Chapter Into Punchline
Mumbai: Samay Raina has found a rather unusual way to look back at one of the most controversial phases of his career.
The comedian, who was questioned by Maharashtra Cyber in connection with the India’s Got Latent controversy in 2025, was recently felicitated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at a cyber awareness event. During the programme, Raina joked about his earlier interaction with the cyber cell, calling it a “purana rishta”.
The comedian also referred to the 1930 cybercrime helpline, turning what was once a serious episode into a light hearted moment.
Why Was Samay Raina At The Event?
Raina was part of a Maharashtra Cyber initiative aimed at creating awareness about online fraud and cybercrime.
The event saw the launch of Digital Arrest, a short film about scams in which fraudsters pose as police officers, government officials and other authorities to threaten victims into transferring money.
The programme also featured the launch of the 1930 Maharashtra Cyber Anthem, highlighting the helpline used to report financial cyber fraud.
Several other well known names from the entertainment industry were associated with the campaign.
Raina’s Earlier Cyber Cell Connection
Raina’s joke had a clear reference to his past.
In February 2025, India’s Got Latent became the centre of a huge controversy after an episode featuring comedian and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia triggered widespread outrage over an inappropriate question.
The backlash quickly turned into a legal matter, with complaints being filed against Allahbadia, Raina and others connected to the show.
Maharashtra Cyber subsequently summoned people associated with the programme. Raina, who was outside India when he was initially called, later appeared before the authorities and recorded his statement.
The controversy eventually led Raina to remove the show’s episodes from YouTube.
Supreme Court Relief For Raina
Raina also received significant legal relief this month.
On August 14, 2026, the Supreme Court quashed criminal proceedings against Raina and four other social media personalities in a case concerning remarks about persons with disabilities linked to the India’s Got Latent controversy.
The court imposed a Rs 3 lakh fine each on Raina and Allahbadia, according to reports, while taking note of their efforts to promote awareness and dignity for persons with disabilities.
‘Latent’ Back In The Headlines
Raina’s show is once again facing criticism. Recent episodes of India’s Got Latent Season 2 have triggered online backlash over remarks involving people from Bihar and the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Comedian Sunil Pal has also criticised Raina’s felicitation by the Maharashtra government.
From being questioned by Maharashtra Cyber to being honoured at its awareness programme, Raina’s relationship with the department has certainly taken an unexpected turn and this time, he was the one making the joke.
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