Mumbai: A day after a comedian Kunal Kamra posted a controversial video mocking Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the BMC initiated a demolition drive at The Habitat Studio, located within the Unicontinental Hotel in Khar West, on Monday.
The civic team from H West ward took measurements of a stage in the basement where Kamra had performed, a temporary shed that was found to be illegal, was demolished, late in the evening.
Meanwhile, after Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers vandalised the premises, the police sealed off part of the studio. As a result, the BMC team could only proceed with the internal inspection once the police lifted the seal, said a senior civic official.
The studio, located within the Hotel, hosts shows across the basement, first floor, and terrace. On Monday, the civic team from H West ward, led by Assistant Municipal Commissioner Vinayak Vispute, conducted an inspection of the hotel premises.
The officials reviewed the building’s ground-plus-three-storey layout to ensure it complied with the approved plans. They stated that they are currently investigating any unauthorised additions or alterations and verifying whether all necessary approvals, including fire NOCs, have been obtained.
During the inspection, the team discovered a temporary shed between the two wings, which was found to be prima facie illegal and erected without BMC's permission. The civic team claimed that the shed was subsequently removed.
The civic team arrived at the building equipped with hammers and gas cutters. However, hotel staff said that repair work on the lift was underway at the premises. The BMC also dismantled the illegally built part of the stage built in the basement, where the show had been held.
"A part of the stage, measuring 21.70 meters in length, 7.5 meters in width, and 2.8 meters in height, was removed due to irregularities," confirmed a civic official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Despite multiple attempts, Assistant Municipal Commissioner Vinayak Vispute did not respond to calls.
Meanwhile, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani confirmed that the temporary shed had been removed by the civic team. "The police have sealed the studio on the first floor where the office was vandalised. Once the seal is lifted by the police, we will carry out the internal inspection of the building," he added.
During his performance at The Habitat Studio, Kamra referred to Shinde as a "traitor" and performed a parody using the word gadar. He also modified the song Bholi Si Surat from Dil Toh Pagal Hai to comment on Shinde's 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, which led to the downfall of Thackeray's government and a split in the Shiv Sena.
