Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has once again failed to appear before the Mumbai Police in connection with a case involving his alleged ‘traitor’ remark. According to officials, this marks the third instance of Kamra skipping police summons. The case stems from a complaint regarding a controversial comment he made. Authorities are now considering further action due to his repeated non-compliance.
Mumbai: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra failed to appear before the Mumbai police on Saturday regarding a case against him for allegedly calling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a “traitor,” according to an official source.
This marks the third occasion Kamra has missed police summons. The Mumbai police had requested his presence on April 5, issuing a summons for the third time.
Earlier this week, a team from the Khar police visited his residence in Mahim after he did not respond to the second summons.
The Madras High Court has granted Kamra interim anticipatory bail until April 7. He is a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu.
Three FIRs filed against the comedian in Nashik Rural, Jalgaon, and Nashik (Nandgaon) have been transferred to the Khar police station.
Kamra was booked by the Khar police following a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, who accused him of making defamatory remarks about the deputy chief minister during a performance. The vandalism reportedly occurred after the group alleged that Kamra had made derogatory comments about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a show recorded on January 21.
The police charged the accused under several sections, including BNS 132 and BNS 333, both of which are non-bailable offenses. Kanal’s lawyer challenged the charges in court, arguing that the sections invoked were unlawful.
The defense also noted that the first FIR in the case had been filed at the MIDC police station.
According to the police, the group entered the venue and caused damage while asserting that Kamra had insulted Shinde. The accused were presented before the court on Saturday and were granted bail the following day.
Rahul Kanal, a key member of the Shiv Sena’s Shinde faction and General Secretary of the Yuva Sena, has recently attracted attention due to his role in a controversy involving comedian Kunal Kamra.
This incited considerable backlash from Shiv Sena supporters.
In reaction to Kamra’s remarks, Kanal and 11 others were arrested for allegedly vandalizing The Habitat Studio in Mumbai, where Kamra performed. The group asserted that their actions were a response to the perceived insult directed at Deputy CM Shinde.
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Kanal’s participation in this incident ignited conversations about political intolerance and the limits of free expression in India. His actions and subsequent legal troubles highlights the existing tensions between political figures and artists in today’s socio-political landscape.
Kunal Kamra is a well-known Indian stand-up comedian, social commentator, and political satirist. He is famous for his sharp wit, bold political humor, and criticism of the Indian government, particularly the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.