Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police has received a written complaint from a Shiv Sena representative against comedian Kunal Kamra, requesting an investigation into funds he allegedly received from various countries through his videos, the agency stated on Wednesday.
According to the EOW, the complaint was filed after Kamra’s latest stand-up video, “Naya Bharat,” in which he made critical remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The complainant has urged authorities to probe Kamra’s financial transactions, raising concerns over the sources of his income.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have issued a third notice to the stand-up comedian, asking him to appear for questioning regarding his remarks. Officials confirmed that Kamra has been summoned to record his statement on April 5.
“Mumbai Police has issued a third notice to Kunal Kamra to appear on 5th April and record his statement. Mumbai Police had called Kunal Kamra twice before for questioning, but he did not appear,” officials stated.
The third summon follows Kamra’s failure to respond to previous notices. Authorities are also examining whether Kamra has previously made satirical remarks about other prominent figures, including politicians, actors, and sportspersons. If such instances are confirmed, further action may be taken.
Currently, three separate cases have been registered against Kamra at Khar Police Station in connection with his remarks about Eknath Shinde. The complaints were filed by the Mayor of Jalgaon, a hotelier, and a businessman from Nashik.
Following the controversy, Kamra issued an apology to attendees of his show after reports emerged that Mumbai Police had sent notices to some audience members for questioning. In a sarcastic response, he said:
“I am deeply sorry for the inconvenience that attending my show has caused to you. Please email me so that I can schedule your next vacation anywhere you’d like in India.”
Amid mounting legal troubles, the Madras High Court granted Kamra interim anticipatory bail on Friday in connection with multiple FIRs filed against him. Justice Sunder Mohan ordered interim relief until April 7 under certain conditions.
Kamra had approached the court seeking transit anticipatory bail, citing multiple threats he has been receiving following his recent satirical performances.