Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 29: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has called for special protection to be provided to satirist Kunal Kamra after three additional cases were filed against him at Khar police station for his alleged controversial remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Raut compared Kamra’s situation to that of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Kangana Ranaut, who was granted protection following her rift with Shiv Sena. Raut stated during a press conference, “Just like Kangana Ranaut was given special force for her security when she had a rift with us, I demand the Maharashtra government provide similar protection to Kunal Kamra.”
The Mumbai Police confirmed that three more complaints had been filed against Kamra. One of the complaints was filed by the Mayor of Jalgaon, while the other two complaints were lodged by a hotelier and a businessman from Nashik.
On March 27, the Mumbai police issued a third summon to Kamra, asking him to appear at the Khar police station for questioning on March 31. Kamra has failed to comply with the first two summons.
In a related development, on Friday, the Madras High Court granted interim anticipatory bail to Kunal Kamra concerning the multiple FIRs filed against him. Justice Sunder Mohan ruled that Kamra would be granted interim anticipatory bail until April 7, subject to certain conditions.
Kamra had approached the Madras High Court seeking transit anticipatory bail, citing threats following his satirical remarks. Earlier in the week, Kamra criticized the mainstream media, accusing it of being a mouthpiece for the ruling party and labeling it “vultures” for spreading misinformation and diverting attention from critical issues.
The controversy began after Kamra made a “gaddar” (traitor) joke allegedly aimed at Eknath Shinde, sparking widespread condemnation from political leaders who called for action against him.