Mumbai Police are set to issue a second summons to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra on Wednesday in connection with a case registered against him over a controversial “gaddar” (traitor) joke, allegedly targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The move comes after authorities rejected Kamra’s request—submitted through his lawyer—for a week’s extension to appear before the police.
Police Tighten Grip on Kamra
Kamra was initially asked to appear for questioning on Tuesday, but after failing to comply, the police are expected to issue a fresh summons under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), according to news agency ANI. The FIR against Kamra includes charges under BNS sections 353(1)(b) (statements conducing to public mischief) and 356(2) (defamation).
Saamana Slams ‘Extreme Response’
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s mouthpiece Saamana criticized the government’s handling of the situation, referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement that “criticism is the soul of democracy.” The publication argued that Kamra’s parody merely rehashed existing political slogans and questioned why such a severe response was necessary.
“Slogans about ‘khoke’ (use of money power) have echoed across Maharashtra before. Kunal Kamra only adapted them in a parody song—so what was new?” the editorial stated. It further claimed that the backlash not only embarrassed Shinde but also made him a subject of ridicule in the state.
The publication also criticized the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), stating that the civic body only acted against the Habitat Studio—where Kamra performed—after his criticism of the government.
Comedy, Vandalism, and Demolition
The controversy escalated after Kamra’s video went viral on Sunday, prompting Shiv Sena workers to vandalize the Habitat Studio in Mumbai’s Khar area. Following the incident, the BMC demolished a section of the venue, citing alleged construction violations. Authorities are now awaiting additional documents from the studio owners before continuing any further action.
Mumbai Police arrested 11 members of Shiv Sena’s youth faction, Yuva Sena, for their involvement in the vandalism. While BJP and Shiv Sena leaders condemned Kamra’s remarks and alleged a conspiracy backed by Uddhav Thackeray to defame Shinde, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) defended Kamra, asserting his constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression.
Sources By Agencies
