BMC demolishes parts of The Habitat Studio after Kunal Kamra’s video on Eknath Shinde sparks row

Kamra, currently in Tamil Nadu, has denied speculation that he was paid by opposition parties to criticize Shinde.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday launched a demolition drive at The Habitat Studio, located in the Unicontinental Hotel in Mumbai’s Khar area, following a controversy over a video shot by comedian Kunal Kamra mocking Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

According to Hindustan Times, a BMC team entered the premises armed with hammers and began dismantling structures inside the studio. Officials claimed that parts of the studio were illegally constructed on encroached land between two hotels.

Assistant Commissioner Vinayak Vispute stated, “The studio owner has constructed some temporary illegal sheds, which we are now removing. This does not require any notice.” He added that further action would be taken after examining the building plans for additional irregularities.

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik spoke to BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, who then directed H West ward officials to inspect the site, Hindustan Times reported.

The controversy erupted after Kamra, during his performance at The Habitat Studio, called Shinde a “traitor” and sang a parody song about his 2022 rebellion against then Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. Following the act, Shiv Sena workers allegedly vandalized the studio and the hotel on Sunday night, according to the police.

On Monday, Mumbai Police registered an FIR against Kamra for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Shinde. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the comedian’s statements, demanding an apology.

Speaking at the Maharashtra legislature complex, Fadnavis said, “The 2024 assembly poll results have shown who is a ‘gaddar’ (traitor) and who is a ‘khuddar’ (self-respecting). People have put a stamp of approval on Shinde being the true inheritor of [Shiv Sena founder] Bal Thackeray’s legacy.”

Kamra, currently in Tamil Nadu, has denied speculation that he was paid by opposition parties to criticize Shinde. According to police sources cited by NDTV, he told investigators they were free to check his financial records if needed. Kamra also reportedly said he would only apologize for his remarks if ordered by the court.