Kunal Kamra’s jibe at Eknath Shinde sparks Shiv Sena protest, 20 booked for hotel vandalism

According to police officials, the case has been filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Maharashtra Police Act.

Shiv Sena workers (Eknath Shinde faction), on Sunday vandalised Hotel Unicontinental in Mumbai’s Khar area, where stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra had filmed a show that included a jibe at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. According to police officials, the incident occurred after a video of Kamra’s remarks went viral on social media.

Members of Yuva Sena, the youth wing of Shiv Sena, also staged a protest outside Wagle Estate Police Station in Thane, burning Kamra’s photographs and demanding an FIR against him. The video in question was also shared by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on social media, captioned "Kunal Ka Kamal."

An FIR has been registered against Shiv Sena Yuva Sena (Shinde faction) General Secretary Rahool Kanal and 19 others for allegedly vandalising the Habitat stand-up comedy set in Mumbai, police officials confirmed on Monday, reported ANI. The case has been filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Maharashtra Police Act.

Kamra’s performance included a modified version of a song from the Bollywood film Dil To Pagal Hai, which mocked Shinde, drawing laughter from the audience. The remarks, however, sparked outrage among Shiv Sena leaders.

Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske strongly criticised Kamra, calling him a "hired comedian" who was allegedly paid by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to target Shinde. "Let alone Maharashtra, Kunal Kamra cannot freely go anywhere in India. Shiv Sainiks will show him his place," Mhaske warned in a video message. He further likened Kamra’s act to "stepping on the tail of a snake," cautioning that "once the fangs are out, there will be dire consequences."

Mhaske also accused Kamra of accepting money to insult Shinde and vowed that the comedian would have to apologise. Echoing similar sentiments, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel stated that Kamra should be "shown his level" and asked him to issue an apology.

On the other hand, Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray condemned the attack on the hotel, calling it a "cowardly" act.

In a post on X, he wrote, “Mindhe’s coward gang breaks the comedy show stage where comedian @kunalkamra88 put out a song on Eknath Mindhe, which was 100 percent true. Only an insecure coward would react to a song." Thackeray also questioned the state’s law and order situation, suggesting that the attack undermined the role of the Chief Minister and Home Minister.

Police officials confirmed they were investigating the incident and assessing the damage caused during the vandalism.

(With inputs from agencies)