Renowned stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has landed in legal trouble yet again as three additional FIRs have been registered against him in Maharashtra. The cases were filed after Kamra allegedly made derogatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, referring to him as a “gaddar” (traitor).
The fresh FIRs, registered in different parts of Maharashtra, were transferred to the Khar police station for further investigation on Friday. The Khar police station is already handling a criminal defamation case against Kamra concerning his controversial remark about Shinde. The police have issued two summonses, asking Kamra to appear for questioning, but his request for a week’s time was rejected.
Despite the mounting legal pressure, Kamra managed to secure interim anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court until April 7. The first FIR against the comedian was filed following a complaint lodged by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. The latest FIRs were also filed by Shiv Sena members—Mayur Borse from Manmad, Nashik; Sanjay Bhujbal from Jalgaon Jamod, Buldhana; and Sunil Jadhav from Nandgaon Manmad, Nashik.
According to the complainants, Kamra’s statements not only defamed Shinde’s moral conduct but also fueled animosity between political parties. The FIRs have been registered under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 353(1)(b), 353(2) (statements conducing to public mischief), and 356(2) (defamation). A police officer confirmed that the Mumbai police may soon issue fresh summons to Kamra in connection with the new cases.
The controversy erupted after Kamra performed his stand-up comedy act titled Naya Bharat at Habitat Studio in Hotel Unicontinental, Khar, in February. A video clip from the show was uploaded to YouTube last Saturday and soon went viral on social media. Shiv Sena workers, angered by Kamra’s remarks, vandalized the studio. In response, the police registered a suo motu case against the workers and arrested 12 of them, who were later released on bail.
Despite the backlash, Kamra has remained defiant, declaring on social media that he will not apologize for his remarks. He has continued to criticize the government and ministers through additional videos shared on his social media platforms.
