Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has been summoned by Maharashtra’s Khar Police to appear before the investigating officer at 11 AM today in connection with an FIR filed against him. However, Mumbai Police confirmed that Kamra is currently not in the city.
The FIR was initially registered by MIDC Police over remarks Kamra made during a stand-up comedy show, allegedly targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The case was later transferred to Khar Police for further investigation.
The controversy escalated after Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Mumbai venue where Kamra performed, expressing outrage over his comments about Shinde. Despite the backlash, Kamra remains defiant, releasing a statement on social media asserting that he will not apologize for his act.
“An entertainment venue is merely a platform. It is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served,” Kamra stated.
While Kamra affirmed his willingness to cooperate with the authorities, he questioned whether legal action would also be taken against those who resorted to vandalism in response to his joke. He also criticized the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for allegedly demolishing parts of the performance venue without prior notice.
“But will the law be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke? And against the unelected members of the BMC, who arrived at the venue today, without prior notice, and tore the place down with hammers?” Kamra questioned.
As the controversy unfolds, Kamra’s legal battle and the reaction from authorities will be closely watched in the coming days.