Comedian Kunal Kamra Summoned by Mumbai Police Over Alleged Remarks on Eknath Shinde

Mumbai Police have summoned stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra for questioning on March 31 at 11 a.m. The summons comes after a recent controversy involving alleged comments made by Kamra that were perceived as mocking Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Kamra reportedly asked for an extension until April 2, but the request was denied. Authorities insisted on his attendance as originally scheduled.

The Comedy Show and Political References

The issue began after a performance by Kamra at a Mumbai-based venue was uploaded to YouTube. During the show, he made a parody of the song “Bholi Si Surat” from the film Dil To Pagal Hai, which included the term “gaddar” (traitor). Although Shinde’s name was not mentioned, the reference was widely interpreted as a dig at his political move in 2022—when he split from Shiv Sena and allied with the BJP, causing the fall of Uddhav Thackeray’s government.

Venue Vandalised, Sena Workers Arrested

Following the viral clip, Shiv Sena members vandalised Habitat Comedy Club, the venue where Kamra performed. Police later arrested 12 individuals linked to the act. All were granted bail soon after.

Kamra responded publicly, stating neither the venue nor any political group was responsible for his words. “Attacking a venue for a comedian's words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you didn’t like the butter chicken,” he said on social media platform X.

Shinde Claims Kamra Was Paid to Target Him

Eknath Shinde accused Kamra of attacking him as part of a “supari” or contract job. However, there is no official confirmation to support this claim. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.

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