Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra faces further legal trouble as three more cases were registered against him on Saturday over his controversial joke allegedly targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, police said.
The controversy stems from Kamra’s satirical song, a modified version of a track from the 1997 Bollywood film Dil Toh Pagal Hai, which critiqued Shinde’s 2022 political rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray and his subsequent rise to the chief minister’s post with the BJP’s support. The song sparked strong backlash from Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers, who vandalized Habitat Studio in Khar, where the show was recorded. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) later initiated the demolition of parts of the studio.
A police officer from Khar police station confirmed that multiple cases were being consolidated under their jurisdiction. “Several cases have been registered across the state against Kamra (36). These cases are now being transferred to us as the offence occurred within our jurisdiction at Habitat Studio. We have received three cases registered elsewhere, which have been re-registered at the Kharghar police station. However, all the cases will be merged as they relate to the same set of allegations,” the officer stated.
Complaints Filed by Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) Leaders
The newly registered cases stem from complaints filed by prominent members of Shinde’s faction:
- Sanjay Bhujbal, Shiv Sena’s Jalgaon city chief
- Sunil Jadhav, a hotelier and Shiv Sena city chief of Nandgaon in Nashik, who alleged that Kamra’s comments were intended to incite hatred against Shinde
- Mayur Borse, Manmad city chief of Shinde’s party
All three cases have been registered under Sections 353 (statements conducing to public mischief) and 356(2) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Kamra Cites Death Threats, Seeks More Time
The Mumbai Police have already issued two summonses to Kamra, instructing him to appear before the investigating officer by March 31. However, the comedian has declined to appear in Mumbai, citing death threats from party members and requesting a week’s extension.
“The Madras High Court has granted Kamra interim protection from arrest for his slanderous comments. We will present our side before the High Court,” a police officer said.
The first FIR against Kamra was filed by Shiv Sena MLA Muraji Patel and later transferred to Khar police station.
Sources By Agencies
