For Samay Raina, Maharashtra Cyber is a name he has encountered before. But on 26 August, the comedian appeared at an event involving the agency in a very different setting.
The occasion brought Raina together with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. During his remarks, he referred to his earlier association with Maharashtra Cyber and turned it into a light-hearted moment.
So, why was Raina at the event, and what exactly did he say?
Why Was Samay Raina Honoured?
Maharashtra Cyber organised the Mumbai event to raise awareness about cybercrime.
The agency launched a short film titled Digital Arrest and the 1930 Maharashtra Cyber Anthem as part of the campaign. The initiative aimed to warn people about cyber fraud and scams involving people impersonating officials.
Raina was among the public figures associated with the campaign. Actors Pankaj Tripathi, Ashish Vidyarthi, Sonali Bendre, Sharad Kelkar, Javed Jaffrey and Mangesh Desai, along with singer Sunidhi Chauhan, were also present.
Fadnavis felicitated Raina for his contribution to the cyber-awareness short film.
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Then Came The “Purana Rishta” Joke
During his speech, Raina referred to his earlier interaction with Maharashtra Cyber.
He said: “Thank you so much for the felicitation. Mera aur Maharashtra Cyber Cell ka rishta bahaut purana hai. Bahaut zada active hai Maharashtra Cyber Cell (My relationship with Maharashtra Cyber Cell is very old. Maharashtra Cyber Cell is very active). Wherever you are, whether in the US or India, they will catch you.”
Raina was referring to his earlier interaction with Maharashtra Cyber during proceedings connected to the India’s Got Latent controversy.
He appeared before the agency in March 2025 as part of the investigation into complaints linked to the show.
Why Did He Mention 1930?
Raina then turned his attention to Maharashtra Cyber’s helpline number, 1930.
He said: “1930 is really a great number. I have actually saved it because I often get calls from there.”
He also joked that it was the first time a cyber cell officer had woken a comedian up to felicitate him rather than call him in connection with the earlier proceedings.
The remarks prompted laughter at the event, with Fadnavis also seen laughing.
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What Was The Event Actually About?
Behind the jokes, the event had a serious purpose.
Fadnavis warned people about cybercriminals who impersonate police officers, CBI officials or judges to frighten victims. He urged people not to fall for such tactics and said victims of cyber fraud should contact the 1930 helpline.
The event also focused on so-called “digital arrest” scams, in which fraudsters use fake legal or law-enforcement claims to intimidate people.
Fadnavis had previously described “digital arrest” as a fraud tactic and advised people who receive such calls to contact 1930.
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From India’s Got Latent To A Cyber-Awareness Campaign
Raina’s reference to Maharashtra Cyber had a clear background.
The India’s Got Latent controversy erupted in February 2025 after remarks by guest Ranveer Allahbadia during an episode triggered complaints. The controversy led to multiple legal proceedings and Raina appeared before Maharashtra Cyber during its investigation.
A separate legal matter involved FIRs over remarks concerning persons with disabilities made on the show. On 14 August 2026, the Supreme Court ordered those FIRs and related proceedings against Raina and four other comedians to be dropped after taking note of their efforts to promote awareness and support fundraising initiatives for persons with disabilities.
That Supreme Court matter was separate from the Maharashtra Cyber proceedings linked to the earlier India’s Got Latent controversy.
That distinction matters because Raina’s appearance on 26 August was not connected to a new legal proceeding. He was at the event as a contributor to Maharashtra Cyber’s awareness campaign and was felicitated by Fadnavis for that contribution.
His jokes simply brought his earlier association with the agency into an otherwise formal cybercrime-awareness event.
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TL;DR | News At a Glance
Why was Samay Raina honoured?
He was felicitated by CM Devendra Fadnavis for contributing to Maharashtra Cyber’s awareness campaign.
What was the event about?
Maharashtra Cyber launched Digital Arrest and the 1930 Maharashtra Cyber Anthem to promote cybercrime awareness.
Why did Raina joke about Maharashtra Cyber?
He referred to his earlier interaction with the agency during the India’s Got Latent proceedings.
What did he say?
“Mera aur Maharashtra Cyber Cell ka rishta bahaut purana hai. Bahaut zada active hai Maharashtra Cyber Cell.”
What does it mean in English?
“My relationship with Maharashtra Cyber Cell is very old. Maharashtra Cyber Cell is very active.”
What did he say about 1930?
He joked that he had saved the number because he often received calls from Maharashtra Cyber.
What did Fadnavis say?
He warned people about cybercriminals impersonating officials and urged victims of cyber fraud to call 1930.
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