Kunal Kamra summoned by Mumbai Police over "gaddar" satire jokes on Eknath Shinde

Mumbai Police have summoned comedian Kunal Kamra to appear before the investigating officer at Khar police station on Tuesday at 11 AM in connection with a case registered over his remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. A team from Khar police station delivered the summons to his Mumbai residence, where his parents live, and also sent it via WhatsApp as Kamra is currently in Puducherry.

The controversy began after Kamra’s stand-up performance, uploaded on YouTube and Instagram, in which he referenced Maharashtra’s political scenario, particularly the split in Shiv Sena and NCP. Following this, supporters of Eknath Shinde vandalized the Unicontinental Hotel’s Habitat venue in Khar West, where the act was filmed. Khar police detained Shiv Sena leader Rahool Kanal, Vibhag Pramukh Shrikant Sarmalkar, and others for the vandalism.

An FIR was initially registered at MIDC police station and later transferred to Khar police for further investigation. Separately, Shiv Sena MLA Mangesh Kudalkar filed a complaint against Kamra at the Kurla Nehrunagar police station, urging the authorities to take action. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 9) Dixit Gedam confirmed that two cases have been registered—one against Kamra for his remarks and another against those involved in the attack on the venue.

Kamra has stated that he will cooperate with the police but will not apologize. In a post, he said, "I will not apologize. What I said is exactly what Mr. Ajit Pawar (first DCM) said about Mr. Eknath Shinde (second DCM)." He further questioned whether the law would be applied equally to those responsible for vandalizing the venue and criticized the actions of officials who allegedly demolished parts of the venue without prior notice.

Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has demanded an unconditional apology from Kamra, while opposition leaders have criticized the handling of the case, questioning the speed of action against Kamra compared to those involved in the vandalism. Investigations into both cases are ongoing, with Khar police overseeing further legal proceedings.