FIR Filed Against Comedian Kunal Kamra for Defamatory Comments on Eknath Shinde

The Mumbai police have filed an FIR against comedian Kunal Kamra for allegedly uttering defamatory comments regarding Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, at a show recently. This happened on Sunday evening at Habitat Comedy Club, Khar, where Kamra used abusive words, including labeling Shinde a “gaddar” (traitor). After the show, Shiv Sena workers assembled at the spot outside the venue and vandalized the club and the hotel where it was happening. The police filed the FIR on the complaint of Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel accusing Kamra of using words that might lead to public mischief and defamation.

Comedian Kamra snickered at Shinde and the ruling NCP and Shiv Sena in a satirical version of a Hindi film song in a viral video. The video, which also attacks the political opposition, elicited sharp responses, particularly from Shiv Sena members. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske threatened Kamra with dire consequences, accusing the comedian of having joined hands with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and was intentionally goading Shinde. The MP also threatened that Kamra would be hunted by party workers nationwide.

While the Mhaske-led Shiv Sena faction criticized Kamra’s actions, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray condemned the vandalism as a cowardly act. Thackeray also pointed out the insecurity of the people who resort to such acts in reaction to satire. The police are probing the incident, and the comedian is being taken to court for his comments, as tensions between the parties remain high.