TV star Rakhi Sawant responded to a summons from the Maharashtra Cyber Cell in connection with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks on the comedian Samay Raina’s show, India’s Got Latent. According to Sawant, the summons were uncalled for as the police should spend their time solving pending rape cases and not arresting someone like her who has never been proven guilty.
Cyber Cell Summons & Rakhi’s Reaction
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On February 27, Sawant was due to appear for questioning before the Cyber Cell. She appeared as a panellist on India’s Got Latent; however, she was not present in the episode featuring Ranveer Allahbadia. In a video clip shared by Viral Bhayani, Rakhi Sawant expressed her annoyance regarding the summons, saying:
“What is the point of summoning me? Just video-call me; I will answer your questions. I am an artist who was invited for an interview, for which I am paid, and I have done that. I have not abused anyone; call me for that only?”
She further condemned the police for calling her when they should be looking into more serious crimes, especially cases of rape.
“You have got rape cases of small girls and maybe even old women pending. Those should be considered first. I am being treated like a criminal for something I haven’t done,” she said.
Claims of Financial Distress
Sawant also spoke of her alleged dire financial situation at present, claiming she lives in Dubai and is not working.
“I am a beggar. I don’t have a single rupee. I am telling the truth—I don’t have any work. What will you do by summoning me? Instead focus on punishing the real criminals,” she pleaded. She insisted that she has never done any work illegally, saying, “I have always done a white-collar job.”
Other others summoned
Apart from Rakhi, Maharashtra Cyber Cell also summoned others, including YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chanchlani, to record their statements on February 24.
As the controversy unfolds, Sawant maintains she has nothing to do with the statements and has hopes that law-enforcement agencies will focus on more important matters.
