Tue Mar 25 07:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Mumbai Police Investigate Comedian Kunal Kamra Over Jokes Targeting Chief Minister
**MUMBAI, INDIA** – Mumbai Police are investigating comedian Kunal Kamra for his jokes targeting Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, exploring whether the performance was part of a conspiracy and if Kamra received funding or assistance. Police served Kamra with a summons, delivered to his parents’ home and via WhatsApp, requesting his appearance for questioning on charges including defamation and statements conducing to public mischief. Kamra is believed to be out of state.
The investigation focuses on whether Kamra received financial or other support to target Shinde and whether anyone helped write his material. Police may examine Kamra’s electronic devices. The controversy stemmed from a parody of a popular Bollywood song performed at Mumbai’s Habitat studio, where Kamra referred to Shinde as a “traitor” (gaddar) for his role in the 2022 political upheaval that brought down Uddhav Thackeray’s government.
Shiv Sena workers reacted to the performance by vandalizing the studio, which subsequently faced demolition by civic officials citing building code violations. The studio has temporarily closed, claiming it is not responsible for the content of performers’ acts.
Kamra maintains his remarks are his own responsibility and that the venue or any political party should not be held accountable. He stated his willingness to cooperate with the police and courts, while questioning the lack of similar action against those who vandalized the studio and the civic officials involved in the demolition.
Opposition parties have voiced support for Kamra, with former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray defending the comedian’s statements as truthful. The investigation is ongoing.
First Piper 