Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 31: The uncertainty surrounding comedian Kunal Kamra’s appearance before Mumbai’s Khar Police on Monday continues, as authorities have received no communication from him regarding his attendance, a police official stated.
The Mumbai Police have twice summoned Kamra, with the latest notice issued on March 24, directing him to appear at Khar Police Station on March 31 over his controversial "traitor" remark aimed at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
A police official confirmed that they have not received any official confirmation from Kamra about his visit. Meanwhile, his lawyer, V. Suresh, has raised security concerns, stating that the comedian fears for his safety if he travels to Mumbai.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also weighed in on the matter, alleging that Kamra has received threats from certain Maharashtra Cabinet ministers.
On March 24, Khar Police delivered the summons to Kamra’s parents’ residence in Mumbai, instructing him to appear for questioning. However, in response, Kamra requested an alternative date, April 2, citing prior commitments. His legal team also pointed out that the Madras High Court has granted him protection from arrest until April 7.
Kamra landed in legal trouble after releasing a satirical rendition of a popular Hindi song, indirectly labeling Eknath Shinde a "traitor"—a reference to the 2022 Maharashtra political crisis that led to the downfall of the Uddhav Thackeray-led government.
The video, part of his "Naya Bharat" comedy series, was filmed in February and uploaded on March 23, sparking strong backlash from Maharashtra’s ruling coalition. The controversy intensified when Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) supporters vandalized the Unicontinental Hotel in Khar, where Kamra's video was shot.
Following the attack on the hotel, 12 Shinde supporters were arrested but later granted bail.
According to DCP Dixit Gedam (Zone 9, Mumbai), two separate cases have been registered—one against Kamra for making derogatory remarks, and another against the vandals responsible for damaging the hotel.
Additionally, three other FIRs filed against Kamra in different cities across Maharashtra have been merged with the Mumbai case for a consolidated investigation.
With Kamra's next proposed date of appearance set for April 2, it remains to be seen whether he will comply with the summons or face further legal complications.