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Mumbai Police are investigating whether comedian Kunal Kamra’s jokes targeting Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were part of a larger conspiracy and if he received financial or other assistance for his remarks. Sources indicate that authorities are also probing whether someone helped Kamra write his satirical lines about the Shiv Sena leader.
A team from Khar police station visited Kamra’s Mumbai residence, where his parents live, to serve a summons requesting his appearance for questioning. Since the comedian is reportedly out of the state, the summons has also been sent to his WhatsApp number. Kamra faces multiple charges, including defamation and statements conducing to public mischief. As part of the probe, police may examine his phone and other electronic devices.
The controversy stems from a performance at Mumbai’s Habitat studio, where Kamra parodied the song ‘Bholi Si Surat’ from the 1997 film Dil To Pagal Hai to mock Shinde, referring to him as a ‘gaddar’ (traitor). The term is a reference to Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, which led to the collapse of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government and the split in the Shiv Sena.
Following Kamra’s performance, Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat studio, a well-known venue for stand-up comedy. Although Shinde condemned the act of vandalism, he justified his supporters’ reaction, stating, “Every action has a reaction.” He also questioned whether Kamra had been commissioned to target him.
In the wake of the incident, municipal authorities carried out a demolition exercise at the Habitat studio, citing violations of building regulations. The studio later announced its temporary closure, emphasizing that it is not responsible for the content of performances held on its premises. In a statement, the studio noted, “We have never been involved in the content performed by any artist, but the recent events have forced us to reconsider our position, as we seem to be unfairly blamed and targeted.”
Kamra, in a statement released on social media, defended his right to free speech and dismissed any notion of external influence on his work. He stated, “An entertainment venue is just a platform. It does not control what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue over a comedian’s jokes is as absurd as overturning a truck carrying tomatoes because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served.”
He further asserted that he was not afraid of intimidation and was prepared to cooperate with law enforcement. However, he questioned whether the law would be applied fairly to those responsible for vandalism and the abrupt demolition of the studio. “Will the law be enforced equally against those who resorted to destruction because they were offended by a joke? And against the unelected members of the BMC who arrived without prior notice and tore down the venue with hammers?” he asked.
The incident has sparked political controversy, with opposition leaders criticizing the government’s actions against Kamra. Uddhav Thackeray, the former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shinde’s erstwhile mentor, defended the comedian, asserting that Kamra was merely speaking the truth. “This was not satire. Those who betray are traitors. There is no ‘freedom of expression’ for traitors,” Thackeray said, backing Kamra’s remarks.
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