Mumbai Police have issued a second summons to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, asking him to appear for clarification over his joke referring to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor) in his latest stand-up video, “Naya Bharat”, on YouTube, officials said on Wednesday.
Kamra failed to appear on the first date, and his lawyer had requested seven days. However, after he did not appear, Mumbai Police issued another date after taking legal opinion. Mumbai Police are investigating allegations that before making a mockery of former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Kamra had made satirical remarks about several other noted personalities.
According to the police, if the investigation reveals that Kamra has previously made satirical comments about any politician, actor, or sportsperson, action will be taken against him. Officials clarified that while Kamra’s lawyer has contacted them, the comedian himself has not been in touch with police officials.
Mumbai police said that if the investigation reveals that Kunal Kamra has committed any crime before this through his pranks, then more cases can be registered against him. Kamra recently sparked a row with his “gaddar” (traitor) joke, allegedly aimed at Eknath Shinde.
Several political leaders condemned his remarks during a stand-up show and demanded action against him. On Tuesday, Kamra shared a new video mocking Shiv Sena workers for vandalizing The Habitat comedy club in Mumbai, where he had previously performed.
