Kunal Kamra controversy: FIR filed against Shinde Sena group over set vandalism

Mumbai: Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding comedian Kunal Kamra’s recent standup special Naya Bharat, an FIR has been registered against Shiv Sena Yuva Sena’s (Shinde faction) General Secretary Rahool Kanal and 19 others on Monday for allegedly vandalising the Habitat standup comedy venue in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Incident during live show

According to Sub-Inspector Vijay of Khar police station, members of the Shinde Sena’s youth faction entered the venue while a live show featuring standup comedian Rajat Sood was in progress. The group allegedly forced the show to be shut down and vandalised the set.

An FIR has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including Sections 132, 189(2), 189(3), 190, 191(2), 324(5), 324(6), 223, 351(2), 352, 333, 37(1), and 135. Additionally, Sections 37(1) and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act have also been invoked.

Political backlash over Kamra’s standup special

This incident follows strong objections from Shinde Sena leaders to Kunal Kamra’s new standup special, alleging that the comedian “mocked” Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Earlier today, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora defended the Deputy CM, stating that Shinde is a “self-made leader.”

"Mocking Eknath Shinde ji—a self-made leader who rose from driving an auto to leading India’s second-largest state—reeks of classist arrogance," Deora posted on X.

"India is rejecting entitled monarchs and their bootlicking ecosystem that pretends to champion meritocracy and democracy," he added.

Complaint filed against Kamra

Kunal Kamra allegedly made objectionable remarks about Maharashtra’s Deputy CM in his latest standup sketch posted on YouTube.

Reacting to the controversy, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske accused Kamra of being a “hired comedian” making remarks against the party’s leader for money.

MLA Murji Patel has also lodged a complaint against Kamra at the MIDC police station, demanding strict action against the comedian. Patel has asked Kamra to apologise within two days, warning that he would raise the issue in the assembly and request the state home minister to take action against him.

"We have filed an FIR against Kunal Kamra for his comments against our leader and Maharashtra’s DCM Eknath Shinde. We have demanded quick action against him. I want to tell him to apologise to Eknath Shinde within two days, otherwise Shiv Sainiks will not let him move about freely in Mumbai," Patel said on Sunday.

ANI