An FIR was lodged on Monday against Shiv Sena Yuva Sena’s (Shinde faction) General Secretary Rahool Kanal and 19 others for allegedly vandalizing the Habitat standup comedy venue in Mumbai.
The action follows backlash over comedian Kunal Kamra’s latest stand-up special, ‘Naya Bharat’, which sparked controversy for remarks directed at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
According to Sub Inspector Vijay from Khar Police Station, members of the youth wing entered the venue during a live performance by comedian Rajat Sood, forcibly stopped the show, and caused damage to the set.
FIR Registered Under Multiple BNS Sections
The case has filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including 132, 189(2), 189(3), 190, 191(2), 324(5), 324(6), 223, 351(2), 352, 333, along with Sections 37(1) and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act.
The incident occurred as tensions rose over Kamra’s show, with Shinde Sena leaders alleging that the comedian mocked Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora expressed support for Shinde earlier in the day, calling him a ‘self-made leader’ and criticizing the tone of Kamra’s sketch.
Taking to X, Deora posted, “Mocking @mieknathshinde ji—a self-made leader who rose from driving an auto to leading India’s 2nd largest state—reeks of classist arrogance. India is rejecting entitled monarchs & their bootlicking ecosystem that pretends to champion meritocracy & democracy.”
Mocking @mieknathshinde ji—a self-made leader who rose from driving an auto to leading India’s 2nd largest state—reeks of classist arrogance.
India is rejecting entitled monarchs & their bootlicking ecosystem that pretends to champion meritocracy & democracy.
— Milind Deora | मिलिंद देवरा (@milinddeora) March 24, 2025
Kamra’s recent YouTube performance has come under fire for alleged objectionable comments aimed at Shinde.
Party MP Naresh Mhaske called Kamra a ‘hired comedian’ and accused him of insulting their leader for money.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel filed a complaint at the MIDC Police Station, seeking action against Kamra.
Patel demanded an apology from the comedian within two days and said he would raise the matter in the assembly.
“We have filed an FIR against Kunal Kamra for his comments against our leader and Maharashtra’s DCM Eknath Shinde. We have demanded quick action against him. I want to tell him to apologize to Eknath Shinde within two days otherwise Shiv Sainiks will not let him move about freely in Mumbai,” Patel told ANI.
Also Read: Shiv Sena Workers Vandalize Comedy Club Over Kunal Kamra’s Video On Eknath Shinde
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