"Abhi tak toh ye trailer hai": FIR against 40 Shiv Sena workers and Kunal Kamra after his show's venue vandalized in Mumbai

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and nearly 40 Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers have been booked after party members vandalized the Habitat Studio in Khar, Mumbai, on Sunday night. The incident followed Kamra’s remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during his show. An FIR has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Maharashtra Police Act.

Shiv Sena youth wing leader Rahool Kanal, named in the FIR, accused Kamra of engaging in a “paid conspiracy” and warned him, stating, “Abhi tak toh ye trailer hai, picture abhi baki hai.” Kanal said the issue was about “self-respect” and claimed party workers would “teach Kamra a lesson.” Mumbai Police confirmed that Sena workers stormed the venue during comedian Rajat Sood’s live performance, forcing its cancellation and damaging property.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that “nobody should violate the law, constitution, and rules” and emphasized that police involvement should be minimal in such matters. BJP MLA Ram Kadam alleged that Kamra’s remarks were timed to divert attention from the Disha Salian case and warned of strict action, stating, “It’s time to blacken his face wherever one sees him.” He called Kamra’s comments an “insult” to a former chief minister and questioned if the Thackeray faction was behind the controversy.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut condemned the vandalism, stating that while Kamra has previously joked about the MVA government, freedom of speech must be upheld. NCP-SCP leader Rohit Pawar said comedians once enjoyed more freedom and recalled how past political leaders, including Balasaheb Thackeray, accepted satire. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari stated that if any insult occurred, it should be handled through legal procedures and not violence.

Police have booked Kanal and 19 others for allegedly damaging the venue and disrupting the performance. The case is being investigated, and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify all those involved. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings.