Mumbai police issue 2nd notice for appearance to comedian Kamra over anti-Shinde remarks
Mumbai, Mar 26 (PTI): Police on Wednesday issued a second notice to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra in connection with a case filed in Mumbai for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, an official said.
According to the official, in the notice, the 36-year-old comic has been asked to appear before the investigating officer of the case filed at the Khar police station in suburban Mumbai on a complaint lodged by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel.
It was not clear when Kamra's appearance has been sought as the official did not provide further details.
Police issued the first notice to Kamra on Tuesday and sought his presence, citing start of probe into the defamation case against him.
After the first notice, sources said the comic had sought one week's time to appear before police.
The comedian has kicked up a major political storm in Maharashtra by making caustic remarks against Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, in his show recorded at a studio in Mumbai a few days ago.
Kamra, without taking Shinde's name, targeted the Deputy CM over his political career, including the 2022 rebellion against then-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray which brought down the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.
Kamra had performed a parody of a popular Hindi song from the film "Dil Toh Pagal Hai," apparently referring to Shinde as a "gaddar" (traitor). He also cracked jokes about recent political developments in Maharashtra, including the split in the Shiv Sena (2022) and the NCP (2023).
On Sunday night, Shiv Sena members damaged the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where Kamra's show took place, as well as the hotel in whose premises the venue is located.
Based on a complaint of Shiv Sena MLA Patel, the Khar police have registered an FIR against Kamra for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Shinde.
The police have also registered a case against 40 workers of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena for vandalising the venue of the comedian's show.
On Monday, the police arrested Shiv Sena functionary Rahul Kanal and 11 others for ransacking the show venue. A local court granted them bail the same day.
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Speaker UT Khader attends local cricket tournament during Bhatkal visit
Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.
After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.
Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.
Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.
The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.
Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.
