Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: Amid the controversy surrounding comedian Kunal Kamra’s recent stand-up 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 vandalizing the Habitat stand-up comedy set in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
According to Sub-Inspector Vijay of Khar police station, members of the Shinde Sena’s youth faction entered the venue during a live performance by stand-up comedian Rajat Sood. The group allegedly forced the show to shut down and vandalized 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, and 333. Additionally, Sections 37(1) and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act have also been invoked.
Political Reactions
This incident follows objections raised by Shinde Sena leaders against Kunal Kamra’s new stand-up special, which they claim “mocked” Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora supported 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 2nd 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.
Kamra’s stand-up sketch, posted on YouTube, contained remarks that were deemed objectionable by Shinde Sena leaders.
Complaints Against Kunal Kamra
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske responded to the controversy, claiming that Kamra is a “hired comedian making comments on his party’s leader for money.”
Meanwhile, MLA Murji Patel has filed a complaint against Kamra at the MIDC police station, demanding strict action and an apology within two days. Patel also stated that he would raise the issue in the assembly and urged the state home minister to take immediate action.
“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 told ANI on Sunday.