Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: Shiv Sena Yuva Sena (Shinde faction) General Secretary Rahool Kanal issued a strong warning to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra following his remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, saying, “Abhi tak toh ye trailer hai, picture abhi baaki hai.”
Kanal defended his party’s actions, stating, “It is not about taking any law in your hands. It is purely about your self-respect. When it comes to elders or respectable citizens of the country… when your elders are targeted, you will target someone of that mentality… The message (for Kunal Kamra) is clear, ‘Abhi tak toh ye trailer hai, picture abhi baki hai.’ Whenever you are in Mumbai, you will get a good lesson in Shiv Sena style.”
The warning comes after an FIR was registered against Kanal and 19 others for allegedly vandalizing the Habitat stand-up comedy venue in Mumbai. According to Sub Inspector Vijay of Khar Police Station, members of the Shinde Sena’s youth faction disrupted a live show by comedian Rajat Sood, forcing the performance to stop and vandalizing the set.
The FIR has been lodged 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, 333, 37(1), 135, along with Sections 37(1) and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act.
Kanal dismissed the FIR, alleging that the incident was part of a “paid conspiracy” and expressing confidence in the Mumbai Police’s ability to “expose the truth.”
The controversy erupted following Shinde Sena leaders’ objections to Kamra’s stand-up special, which they claim mocked Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. The situation remains tense as political and legal actions continue to unfold.