Kamra has been asked to appear before Khar police for questioning, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The controversy erupted after Kamra performed a parody of a song from the Bollywood film Dil Toh Pagal Hai during a recent comedy show. His performance seemingly referred to Shinde as a ‘gaddar’ (traitor) and included jokes about Maharashtra’s political landscape, including the splits in Shiv Sena party.
Read more: Kunal Kamra refuses to apologise for ‘traitor’ remark on Eknath Shinde, questions vandalism on venue
Following the show, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel filed an FIR against Kamra for alleged defamation. “We have issued an initial notice to Kamra as a probe has been started into the case against him,” a police official stated, reported PTI. Further details of the investigation were not disclosed.
Shinde calls jibe a ‘supari’ against himÂ
Responding to the incident, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde strongly criticised kamra’s act, suggesting that it was akin to taking a ‘supari’ (contract) to speak against someone.
“Freedom of speech is there. We understand satire. But there should be a limit. This is like taking a ‘supari’ to speak against someone,” Shinde said at a BBC Marathi event, as per PTI. He also noted that Kamra had previously made remarks about the Supreme Court, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, journalist Arnab Goswami, and other industrialists.
Read more: Kunal Kamra faces backlash for jokes on Anand Mahindra, Indian companies
“This is not freedom of speech. This is working for someone,” Shinde asserted, further suggesting that those engaging in satire should maintain a level of decorum. “Otherwise, action causes reaction,” he added, referring to the vandalism incident involving Shiv Sena members.
Shiv Sena workers vandalise comedy venueÂ
The controversy escalated on Sunday night when a group of Shiv Sena members vandalised the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar as well as the hotel housing the club where Kamra had performed. The police registered a case against 20 members involved in the incident.
On Monday, 12 people, including Shiv Sena functionary Rahul Kanal, were arrested for their role in the attack. However, they were granted bail the same day by a local court.
Read more: Kunal Kamra controversy: Mumbai Police registers FIRs, CM Fadnavis slams comedian’s remarks on his deputy
Kamra refuses to apologiseÂ
Despite the backlash, Kamra has remained defiant, stating that he would not apologise for his comments. he also criticised the vandalism at the comedy venue, asserting that his remarks were within the realm of satire.
The case has sparked a debate on the limits of freedom of speech and expression and political satire in India. While the police continue their investigation, the incident has highlighted the growing tensions between political figures and satirists in the country.
(With agency inputs)Â
