Kunal Kamra controversy: BMC officials arrive at Habitat studio with hammers | WATCH

Mumbai: In a dramatic turn of events, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) carried out a demolition at Mumbai's Habitat Studio in Khar on Monday, citing violations of regulations.

BMC staff arrived at the studio with hammers in hand and began demolishing parts of the premises. While specific details of the violations leading to the demolition are still awaited, sources suggest that the studio's location may be in an encroached area between two hotels.

The demolition comes amid a heated controversy surrounding the recent vandalism of the studio by Shiv Sena workers. The workers had targeted the studio following comic Kunal Kamra’s controversial remarks against party chief Eknath Shinde. Kamra’s parody video, in which he mocked Shinde with a 'gaddar' jibe, led to widespread protests, including the vandalism at the studio. Shiv Sena workers, including Rahul Kanal, who were involved, have been granted bail.

Meanwhile, the management of Habitat Studio expressed shock and concern over the "recent acts of vandalism," which they claim were targeted at them.

The studio also announced that it would shut down temporarily to reassess how to continue offering a platform for free expression without jeopardizing the safety of its property or staff.

The studio clarified that it was not involved in the creation of Kunal Kamra’s controversial video and did not endorse the views expressed in it.

Following Kamra's remarks, multiple FIRs have been filed against the comedian, including one based on a complaint from Shiv Sena minister Pratap Sarnaik.