Mumbai Police Visit Kunal Kamra’s Home Over Controversy, Kamra Says, Its Waste Of Time
Mumbai police reached the residence of comedian Kunal Kamra on Monday amid an escalating row over his satirical remarks targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The visit follows Kamra’s failure to appear for questioning at Khar police station despite multiple summons, intensifying a legal and political storm sparked by his stand-up performance earlier this month.
A team of Mumbai police arrived at Kamra’s home on Monday evening to pursue an investigation into his controversial comedy act. The comedian has been summoned twice since an FIR was filed on March 24, based on a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, but he has yet to comply.
In response to the police visit, comedian Kunal Kamra criticized the move, stating that it was a “waste of time and public resources” to send officers to a residence where he has not lived over a decade.
Three additional cases have been registered against Kamra at Khar police station, lodged by the Mayor of Jalgaon and two businessmen from Nashik, according to Mumbai police sources.
The uproar stems from a parody song Kamra performed at Mumbai’s Habitat Centre, uploaded on March 23. Set to the tune of a track from the 1997 film Dil Toh Pagal Hai, the act targeted Shinde, drawing ire from his supporters. Shiv Sena workers retaliated by vandalizing the venue, and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) later demolished parts of the studio.
ALSO READ | Kunal Kamra Seeks Transit Anticipatory Bail from Madras HC in Eknath Shinde Joke Controversy
Kamra’s remarks alluded to Shinde’s 2022 political shift, which split the Shiv Sena and toppled the Uddhav Thackeray-led government.
In response to the backlash, Kamra issued a defiant statement, saying, “I will not apologise… I don’t fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down.” He condemned the vandalism but maintained his stance, asserting his right to free speech.
The comedian, currently in Tamil Nadu, has not appeared before the police despite the summons issued earlier this week.
On Friday, the Madras High Court granted Kamra interim anticipatory bail until April 7, following his plea for protection from arrest. Justice Sunder Mohan stated, “The bail is granted with conditions and will remain in effect until April 7,” offering temporary relief amid mounting legal pressure.
Kamra had approached the court citing threats received after his performance, which has now led to multiple FIRs across Maharashtra.
The controversy has ignited a debate over free speech and political satire. While Shiv Sena leaders have demanded action, opposition figures like Uddhav Thackeray have backed Kamra, calling his remarks reflective of political truths. The vandalism and subsequent police cases have kept the issue in the spotlight.
Mumbai police have not commented on their next steps following the visit to Kamra’s residence.
With Kamra’s interim bail in place until April 7, attention now turns to whether he will comply with the police summons or face further legal action. The Khar police investigation continues, and additional updates are expected as the case unfold.
