The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished parts of The Habitat Studio at Unicontinental Hotel in Khar on Monday, citing civic rule violations.
The action comes days after comedian Kunal Kamra performed at the venue and made controversial remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
BMC officials arrived at the studio with hammers in hand around noon.
While specific violations were not disclosed, sources claimed the studio operated in an encroached area between two hotels.
This action follows an earlier attack on the venue by Shiv Sena workers.
They vandalized the studio after Kamra called Shinde a ‘traitor’ during his show. Police have arrested 12 people, including Shiv Sena leader Rahul Kanal, in connection with the attack.
Since BMC elections are due, the civic body is currently under an IAS officer, with the ruling coalition influencing its operations.
The timing of the demolition has raised questions about political motives.
Following the demolition and vandalism, The Habitat Studio announced its indefinite closure.
The management stated that they do not control the content performed by artists at their venue.
“We are shocked, worried, and extremely broken by the recent vandalism. Artists are responsible for their own views. We only provide a platform, but we keep getting targeted, almost as if we are a proxy for the performer,” the studio said in a statement.
The management added that they would stay closed until they find a way to ensure free expression without risking safety.
The Habitat Studio also distanced itself from Kamra’s latest YouTube video.
They clarified that they did not produce it and do not endorse the views expressed in it.
The studio also issued a public apology to those offended by Kamra’s remarks.
The controversy began when Kamra uploaded a video featuring a parody song targeting Shinde.
He altered lyrics from the Bollywood film Dil To Pagal Hai, singing, “Meri nazar se tum dekho to gaddar nazar wo aaye. Haaye.”
While the audience cheered, the ruling Shiv Sena reacted with anger.
The BMC’s action and the studio’s closure have sparked concerns over freedom of expression.
The Habitat Studio remains shut, caught in the middle of a political storm.
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