Jobaaj Stories
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra is facing more legal trouble as three additional cases have been registered against him in connection with a controversial joke allegedly targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The police confirmed on Saturday that multiple cases from different locations are now being transferred and consolidated under the Kharghar police station in Mumbai.
Cases Transferred to Mumbai
A police officer from the Khar police station stated, “Several cases have been registered across the state against Kamra (36). These cases are now being transferred to us as the alleged offense took place within our jurisdiction at Habitat Studio, where the show was recorded. We have received three cases from different locations, which have been re-registered at the Kharghar police station. However, all cases will be merged since they relate to the same allegations.”
The Controversial Satirical Song
The controversy stems from a parody song performed by Kamra, which was a modified version of a Hindi track from the 1997 film Dil Toh Pagal Hai. The song criticized the 2022 political rebellion led by Eknath Shinde against Uddhav Thackeray and his subsequent rise to the chief minister’s position with the BJP’s support. Following its release, members of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) expressed strong opposition, leading to violent reactions.
Vandalism and Legal Actions
Soon after the video surfaced, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers vandalized Habitat Studio in Khar, where the show was recorded. This incident prompted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to initiate demolition work at the venue, citing unauthorized constructions.
Among the latest cases filed:
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One complaint was lodged by Sanjay Bhujbal, Shiv Sena’s Jalgaon city chief, on behalf of Eknath Shinde’s party.
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Another was filed by Sunil Jadhav, a hotelier and Shiv Sena city chief of Nandgaon in Nashik, who claimed Kamra’s remarks were intended to create hatred against the party leader.
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The third case came from Mayur Borse, the Manmad city chief of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
All three cases have been registered under sections 353 (statements conducive to public mischief) and 356(2) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Summons and Legal Response
The Mumbai Police have already sent two summonses to Kamra, asking him to appear before investigators by March 31. However, Kamra has declined to appear, citing death threats from political party workers. He has requested an additional week to respond.
Meanwhile, the Madras High Court has granted Kamra interim protection from arrest regarding the ongoing defamation charges. A police official noted, “We will present our arguments before the High Court in response to Kamra’s legal protections.”
Background and Ongoing Case
The first FIR against Kamra was filed by Shiv Sena MLA Muraji Patel, and later transferred to Mumbai’s Khar police station. While Kamra’s parody song does not mention anyone by name, it has angered workers of Eknath Shinde’s faction, who allege that it was meant to defame and incite hatred against their leader.
The legal battle is ongoing, and Kamra has yet to issue a formal response regarding the new charges filed against him.
