Kunal Kamra row: Stand-up comedian skips Mumbai police’s third summons over remarks against Eknath Shinde

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra skipped summons sent by Mumbai police over his alleged comments against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a recent performance in the Maharashtra capital. This is the third time Kamra has skipped the Mumbai police’s summons in connection with the probe.

The Mumbai police had asked Kamra to appear before it for interrogation in connection with the case before April 5. Kamra, who currently lives in Tamil Nadu, has been granted interim anticipatory bail till April 7. The police had earlier visited Kamra’s residence in Mumbai to give a summons and later sent him the summons through WhatsApp. Earlier this week, Khar police visited Kamra’s residence in Mahim again after he skipped the second summons.

During the recent performance in Mumbai, Kamra performed a parody version of a Hindi song from the film "Dil Toh Pagal Hai," and allegedly referred to Shinde as a "gaddar" (traitor). However, Kamra did not name Shinde in the show. Kamra also performed jokes about recent political developments in Maharashtra. His performance angered the Maharashtra government and leaders including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the act.

Angered by Kamra’s performance, Shiv Sena workers vandalised ‘The Habitat’ studio located in a Mumbai hotel. Mumbai police arrested 12 Sena workers including Yuva Sena leader Rahool Kanal for vandalising the hotel premises. A Mumbai court granted them bail later.

Khar police is probing against Kamra based on complaint from Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. Cases were also registered in Nashik Rural, Jalgaon and Nashik (Nandgaon) police stations and they were transferred to Khar police for further probe.

India