MUMBAI: A day after comedian Kunal Kamra shared clips from his seven-week-old show, where he used terms like “gaddar” (traitor) and “baap chori” (stealing the father)—phrases often used by Shiv Sena (UBT) for Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde—his remarks triggered a major backlash.
Following a complaint from Shiv Sena, police registered an FIR against Kamra, while the BMC demolished a shed at the hotel where the show was filmed. Additionally, 12 Shiv Sena workers were arrested for vandalizing the studio on Sunday night.
The studio announced its closure on Monday, stating it would remain shut until it found a way to support free expression without risking safety. Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, who filed the complaint, demanded Kamra issue an apology within two days, warning that otherwise, “he won’t be allowed to move freely in Mumbai.”
Police confirmed that Kamra, currently in Pondicherry, would receive a notice for questioning. CM Devendra Fadnavis defended stand-up comedy as a right but criticized Kamra’s remarks, saying, “Freedom of expression doesn’t mean one can say anything. Insulting Shinde won’t be tolerated.”
The BMC, citing unauthorized construction, demolished a shed between two hotel wings and inspected the basement where the studio operates, stating it was only permitted for storage. Kamra’s show, recorded on February 2, was uploaded on Sunday, leading to the attack on the venue. The arrested Sena workers were released on bail after appearing before Bandra court.
Meanwhile, Thane’s Wagle Estate police also registered a non-cognizable offense against Kamra on Monday. DCP (Zone IX) Dikshit Gedam confirmed that Khar police have two cases—one against Kamra for his remarks and another against those who vandalized the hotel. The FIR, initially filed at MIDC police station and later transferred to Khar, accuses Kamra of making derogatory comments about Shinde.
Police clarified that Kamra wasn’t arrested as the charges fall under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections for public mischief and defamation, which carry a maximum punishment of under seven years, meaning immediate arrest isn’t mandatory. However, he will be called for questioning soon.