Kunal Kamra Asked To Appear Before Mumbai Police On March 31 Amid Controversy Over Remarks On Eknath Shinde

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has been asked to appear before the police on March 31 over a parody involving Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

On Thursday (March 27), Mumbai Police revealed that the comedian requested time until April 2 to appear, but the police denied it, insisting on his presence by 11 am on March 31.

He was called in for questioning on Tuesday (March 25), however, he failed to appear.

Currently, Kunal resides in Puducherry, while his parents live in Mahim, Mumbai. Earlier this week, a police officer visited his Mahim residence and delivered the summons to his father, who accepted it. Following this, Kamra's lawyer visited the Khar police station on Tuesday and submitted a letter requesting a week's extension, as confirmed by a police source.

Kamra has been receiving death threats following his remarks on the Shiv Sena split and Eknath Shinde. Reportedly, individuals claiming to be workers of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) have made at least 500 threatening calls, with some issuing threats to kill him and cut him into pieces.

Case against Kunal Kamra

On Monday, the 36-year-old comedian released his show 'Naya Bharat' on all his social media platforms. The MIDC police registered a zero FIR against him for allegedly defaming Shinde and publishing or circulating false statements and rumours.

The case was filed based on a complaint by Shiv Sena (Shinde) MLA Murji Patel. The police filed the case under Sections 353(1)(b) (publishing or circulating false statements or rumours), 352 (provoking breach of peace), and 356(2) (defamation, specifically outlining that whoever, by words or other means, makes or publishes an imputation intending to cause harm) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The case was transferred to Khar Police Station as the incident occurred under its jurisdiction.

Another FIR was registered against Shiv Sena Yuva Sena (Shinde faction) General Secretary Rahul Kanal, Kunal Sarmalkar, and around 40 other party workers for allegedly vandalising Habitat, a stand-up comedy venue, where the video was recorded. The case was filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Maharashtra Police Act, with nearly 13 sections applied against the accused, including charges of obstructing government work, rioting, intimidation, unlawful assembly, and trespassing.

The Khar police had arrested Rahul and 12 other party workers, on Monday, who were released on bail the same day.

Kunal Kamra's statement

Following the controversy, Kunal issued a statement, asserting that he will not apologise. He also stated that it is "not against the law to poke fun at leaders and the circus that is the political system."

"I will not apologise. What I said is exactly what Mr. Ajit Pawar (1st deputy CM) said about Mr. Eknath Shinde (2nd Deputy CM). I don't fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down," he said.

Published on: Thursday, March 27, 2025, 11:38 AM IST