Kunal Kamra row: BMC begins demolition of venue where comedian made jokes on Eknath Shinde
Mumbai, Mar 24 (PTI): The studio in Khar in which stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra filmed his show containing the controversial "traitor" jibe at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was on Monday demolished by Mumbai's civic body for alleged building violations.
The action by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation came a day after Habitat studio and Unicontinental hotel where it is located were ransacked late Sunday night by irate Shiv Sainiks.
The temporary shed and other structures comprising the studio, which was created in the basement of the hotel, has been razed, a civic official said.
"It was removed as there is no civic permission to create a studio in the basement. The BMC will check the hotel to see if everything is as per the allowed plan," the official said.
Earlier in the day, Habitat Studio announced they were shutting down after Shiv Sena workers vandalised its premises.
In an Instagram post, the studio said, "We are shocked, worried and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us."
The studio said artists are "solely responsible for their views and creative choices" and it has never been involved in the content performed by them.
"But recent events have made us rethink about how we get blamed and targeted every time almost like we are the proxy for the performer", it said.
"We are shutting down till we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy. We invite all artists, audience and stakeholders to discuss and share their views free and request your guidance so that we also respect the performers’ rights," the note further read.
In a previous post, Habitat Studio issued an apology to "all those hurt by this video".
"The Habitat is not involved in the making of the recent video of Kunal Kamra and it does not endorse the views expressed," it said.
Habitat Studio, where Kamra's show was held, is the same venue where the controversial 'India's Got Latent' show was filmed and led to major controversy last month.
Maharashtra | BMC cracks down on illegal structures at Habitat Studio in Mumbai amid comedian Kunal Kamra row; demolition underway.#KunalKamra #HabitatStudio pic.twitter.com/v8cVjvDyfn
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) March 24, 2025
#BREAKING
— Daily Perpetual (@dailyperpetual) March 24, 2025
Mumbai: Amid a row over stand-up comedian #KunalKamra's alleged defamatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy CM #EknathShinde, #kunalkamra 's Studio likely to be razed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
BC Officials have reached with hammers🔨 pic.twitter.com/N7btAfs9nG
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Gold, silver soar as US-Iran deal hopes lift bullion demand
New Delhi (PTI): Gold prices rebounded by Rs 2,900 to Rs 1.55 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday, while silver climbed to Rs 2.54 lakh per kilogram as easing geopolitical tensions triggered a pullback in oil rates, boosting demand for precious metals.
According to the All India Sarafa Association, the yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity jumped by Rs 2,900, or nearly 2 per cent, to Rs 1,55,400 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) from Tuesday's closing level of Rs 1,52,500 per 10 grams.
Traders attributed the surge in bullion prices to reports that Washington and Tehran are close to finalising a framework agreement to end months of conflict, raising the prospects of smoother flows through the Strait of Hormuz and easing inflation concerns tied to energy markets.
"Gold rallied strongly on Wednesday as easing geopolitical tensions triggered a sharp reversal in key macro drivers that had recently pressured precious metals," Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said.
Silver prices also advanced for the third straight session by rising Rs 3,500, or 1.4 per cent, to Rs 2,54,500 per kg (inclusive of all taxes). The metal had settled at Rs 2,51,000 per kg in the previous session, as per the Association.
"The prospect of a diplomatic breakthrough triggered a steep decline in oil prices and the US dollar, easing concerns about inflation while boosting demand for precious metals," Gandhi said.
Globally, spot gold increased by USD 106.15, or 2.33 per cent, to USD 4,663.70 per ounce while silver gained USD 3.40, or 4.68 per cent, to USD 76.24 per ounce.
"Gold witnessed a sharp rally as markets reacted positively to reports that the US and Iran are moving closer to a one-page agreement framework aimed at ending the conflict," Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities, said.
Despite strong international gains, rupee strength limited the upside in domestic gold prices. The market is now highly focused on final confirmation and execution of the proposed deal, he added.
Any negative surprise or breakdown in negotiations could trigger a sharp sell-off in gold, while a successful agreement and sustained ceasefire could push the bullion prices higher in the near-term, Trivedi said.
