Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has been issued a third summons by the Khar Police in Mumbai, directing him to appear for questioning on Saturday in connection with his controversial comments allegedly targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Kamra had failed to respond to two previous summons issued in relation to the case. The controversy stems from a modified line from a Bollywood song, performed by Kamra during a show at the Habitat Comedy Club. The line, “Meri nazar se tum dekho toh, gaddar nazar wo aaye. Haaye,” was perceived as a jibe at Shinde, referencing the 2022 Maharashtra political crisis that led to the fall of the Uddhav Thackeray government.
Following the release of the video on March 23, agitated Shiv Sena workers vandalised the Unicontinental Hotel in Khar, where Kamra’s performance was recorded. Twelve individuals, reportedly Shinde supporters, were arrested and later released on bail.
Kamra’s lawyer, V. Suresh, cited prior commitments for his client’s absence and requested a rescheduled appearance on April 2, which police rejected. The lawyer also raised concerns about Kamra's safety due to alleged threats from cabinet ministers.
Khar police are handling the consolidated investigation after merging three FIRs filed in various parts of Maharashtra with two already registered in Mumbai. Kamra has not made direct contact with the police station so far. Although he has been granted protection from arrest by the Madras High Court until April 7, the police appear determined to proceed with the inquiry.
