Mumabi: Mumbai Police has summoned stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra to appear before investigators at 11am today in connection with his recent remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. However, police officials confirmed that Kamra is currently not in Mumbai.

The summons comes after an FIR was registered and a Mumbai venue was vandalised by Shiv Sena workers in protest against Kamra’s comments. The controversy stems from Kamra’s latest stand-up special, in which he allegedly made disparaging comments about Shinde. An FIR was initially registered at MIDC Police Station and later transferred to Khar Police for further investigation.

In response to the remarks, Shiv Sena workers vandalised the venue where Kamra performed, protesting against his statements. The comedian, however, has refused to apologise, stating that venues should not be held responsible for a comedian’s content.

"An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do," Kamra said in a statement. He compared the attack on the venue to overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because of dissatisfaction with a meal.

Kamra has expressed willingness to cooperate with authorities but questioned whether legal action would be taken against those responsible for the vandalism. He also criticised municipal authorities, claiming that unelected BMC officials arrived at the venue without prior notice and demolished parts of the premises.

"Will the law be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke?" Kamra asked.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case has reignited debates on freedom of speech, political intolerance, and the limits of satire in India.