Mumbai: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam issued an open threat against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra over his comments about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in a YouTube video. In a post on X during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, Nirupam wrote in Hindi, "We will do Dhulai of Kunal Kamra tomorrow at 11 o'clock," hinting at possible action against the comedian.
Sena Workers Vandalise The Habitat Comedy Club
The controversy intensified when Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers vandalised the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where Kamra's show was filmed. After a clip of his remarks went viral, Shiv Sena supporters expressed outrage, leading to the ransacking of The Unicontinental Mumbai and the vandalisation of the Habitat Club, both located in the same building. Party workers also gathered at Khar Police Station to file a complaint against Kamra, demanding strict action.
Shinde Sena's Naresh Mhaske Calls Kunal Kamra A 'Hired Comedian'
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske also criticised Kamra, accusing him of being a paid performer making comments for financial gain. "Kunal Kamra is a hired comedian, and he is making comments on our leader for some money. Let alone Maharashtra, Kunal Kamra cannot freely go anywhere in India; Shiv Sainiks will show him his place. We feel sorry for Sanjay Raut and Shiv Sena (UBT) that they have no party workers or leaders left to make comments on our leader, which is why they are hiring people like him for the job," Mhaske said.
Zero FIR Against Kunal Kamra
Meanwhile, the MIDC police on Monday registered a zero FIR against Kunal Kamra for allegedly publishing or circulating false statements or rumours. The complaint was filed by Shiv Sena (Shinde) MLA Murji Patel, who accused the comedian of making misleading and defamatory statements.
The case has been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 353(1)(b) for publishing or circulating false statements, Section 352 for provoking a breach of peace, and Section 356(2) for defamation, specifically outlining that any statement made with the intention of causing harm is punishable.
The controversy revolves around Kamra’s remarks on the Shiv Sena party split and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, which he made during his stand-up comedy show. His comments have sparked a heated political debate, with the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) demanding legal action and warning of further protests if he does not apologise.
