Kunal Kamra row: FIR filed against Shiv Sena leaders
What's the story
The controversy around comedian Kunal Kamra's latest standup special is heating up. An FIR has been registered against Rahool Kanal and 19 other members of the Shiv Sena's youth wing, for allegedly destroying the Habitat standup comedy stage in Mumbai, where Kamra's special was filmed. The damage was caused on Sunday when comedian Rajat Sood was performing, and members of the Shinde faction barged in and interrupted the show. They were accused of vandalism by police officials.
Legal action
FIR filed under multiple sections
The FIR against the youth wing members has been filed under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Maharashtra Police Act. This comes in the backdrop of a recent controversy surrounding comedian Kamra's standup special Naya Bharat. The Shinde faction has objected to Kamra's new act, alleging he ridiculed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Comedy controversy
Kamra's 'gaddar' joke sparked controversy; more about venue vandalism
Kamra, during his standup show, allegedly called Shinde a "gaddar" (traitor) and cracked jokes about recent political developments in Maharashtra. Notably, the comedian had not named Shinde directly. This prompted Shiv Sena workers to vandalize Hotel UniContinental in Mumbai's Khar area. Thereafter, an FIR was filed against Kanal, Shrikant Sarmalkar, and others for their role in the incident. The Sena leaders were brought to the Khar Police Station after being detained by cops.
Twitter Post
Twitter Post
Maharashtra ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/FYaL8tnT1R
— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) March 23, 2025
Backlash
Shiv Sena leader filed a complaint against Kamra, too
Shiv Sena party MP Naresh Mhaske has demanded an apology from Kamra for his alleged disrespectful comments about Shinde. Mhaske accused Kamra of being a "hired comedian" who makes derogatory remarks about their leader for monetary gain. MLA Murji Patel filed an FIR against him at MIDC Police Station, demanding strict action and an apology in two days, threatening Shiv Sainiks won't let him move freely in Mumbai otherwise.
Threats
'If he's seen anywhere, we will paint his face black'
Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel has warned that if Kamra doesn't apologize in two days, he will be subjected to public backlash in Mumbai. Patel told ANI, "If he is seen anywhere in public, we will paint his face black." He also threatened to raise the issue in the assembly and urged the state's home minister to take swift action against Kamra.