Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 3: Yuva Shiv Sena General Secretary Rahool N Kanal has formally requested ticketing platform BookMyShow to stop facilitating ticket sales for comedian Kunal Kamra’s upcoming performances.
In a letter dated April 2, Kanal expressed concerns over Kamra’s controversial content, alleging that his remarks could disrupt social harmony.
“I, Rahool N Kanal, am addressing this letter in my individual capacity as a concerned citizen to bring to your attention a matter of significant public interest concerning the operations of BookMyShow,” the letter stated. He further claimed that Kamra had a “documented history of habitual offensive behavior” and accused him of vilifying key public figures, including the Prime Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers.
Kanal emphasized that Kamra’s comments were not just satire but part of a “broader criminal conspiracy” with motives beyond humor. He warned that allowing Kamra’s shows to be promoted on BookMyShow could be perceived as an endorsement of “divisive rhetoric” and urged the platform to reconsider its stance.
Legal Scrutiny and Police Notices
In addition to the appeal to BookMyShow, Kamra is also under legal scrutiny. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police has received a complaint from a Shiv Sena representative seeking an investigation into Kamra’s financial transactions. The complaint alleges that Kamra received foreign funds for his content, raising questions about the sources of his income.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police have issued a third notice to Kamra, asking him to appear for questioning on April 5 regarding his satirical remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in his stand-up video, Naya Bharat. Police officials stated that Kamra had been called twice before but failed to appear.
Multiple cases have been filed against Kamra at Khar Police Station following complaints from the Mayor of Jalgaon, a hotelier, and a businessman from Nashik. His controversial “gaddar” (traitor) joke about Shinde has further fueled the controversy.
Kamra’s Response
Reacting to the controversy, Kamra offered a sarcastic apology to his audience, stating, “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.”
Earlier, the Madras High Court granted Kamra interim anticipatory bail until April 7, with conditions, after he sought transit bail citing threats following his satirical comments.