Mumbai Police Summon Kunal Kamra Over Controversial Remarks on Eknath Shinde
Mumbai Police on Tuesday issued a summons to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, requiring him to appear for questioning regarding his alleged controversial remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
According to police sources, officers from Khar police station delivered the summons to Kamra’s residence, where his parents reside. Since the comedian is currently out of Mumbai, authorities have also sent the notice to him via WhatsApp.
Legal Action and Political Backlash
The controversy escalated when Shiv Sena legislator Mangesh Kudalkar filed a complaint at Kurla Nehrunagar police station on Monday, urging the police to register a case against Kamra. Meanwhile, Kamra, who is currently in Puducherry, has assured the police that he will fully cooperate with the investigation.
Earlier, the MIDC police station registered a Zero FIR against Kamra for allegedly making objectionable remarks during a stand-up show. Simultaneously, Khar police booked Yuva Sena general secretary Rahool Kanal under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Maharashtra Police Act for vandalizing the Unicontinental hotel, where Kamra’s comedy show was being filmed.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 9) Dixit Gedam confirmed that two separate cases had been registered at Khar police station one against Kamra for his comments and another against those involved in vandalism at the venue. “The investigation is ongoing,” he stated.
Shiv Sena has demanded an unconditional apology from Kamra. However, opposition parties have criticized the state government, accusing it of acting swiftly against Kamra while allegedly protecting those who have insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Kamra Stands Firm, Refuses to Apologize
Late Monday night, Kamra reiterated his stance, stating that he had no intention of apologizing for his comments.
“I don’t fear this mob, and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down,” he declared.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kamra defended his right to free speech, arguing that his remarks echoed statements made by Maharashtra’s first Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, about Shinde.
“I will not apologize. What I said is exactly what Mr. Ajit Pawar (first DCM) said about Mr. Eknath Shinde (second DCM). To the political elders threatening to teach me a lesson—our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only used routinely to fawn over the powerful and rich, even though today’s media would have us believe otherwise. Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right. As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system.”
Kamra also questioned whether authorities would take equal action against those involved in vandalism.
“I am willing to cooperate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me. But will the law be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke? And against the unelected members of the BMC, who have arrived today at Habitat without prior notice and tore the place down with hammers?”
Mocking the destruction of his venue, Kamra quipped:
“Perhaps for my next venue, I will opt for Elphinstone Bridge, or any other structure in Mumbai that’s in need of speedy demolition.”
He also criticized the targeting of performance spaces, calling it illogical.
“An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you did not like the butter chicken you were served.”