Do not regret calling Eknath Shinde 'traitor': Kunal Kamra

Mumbai: Over the incident of comedian Kunal Kamra, who is known for his criticism of BJP and related factions, calling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde “Gaddar” or traitor, Kamra told Mumbai Police that he does not regret his statement, NDTV reported.

Kamra also dismissed rumours that he had been paid by the opposition to smear Shinde and asked cops to check his finances for transactions proving the same.

After Maharashtra Chief Minister and ally of Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction in the state, Devendra Fadnavis, demanded an apology from Kamra, he said that he would tender a apology only if courts asked him. Fadnavis had claimed on Monday morning that the freedom of expression argument could not extend to low-level comedy, disrespecting the Deputy CM”.

“Everyone has a right to perform stand-up comedy. But freedom should not be unrestrained behaviour. Kamra should apologise for his behaviour. The insult of leaders cannot be tolerated. Action will be taken against him as per the law,” The Indian Express quoted the BJP CM.

Earlier, a Mumbai studio, which hosted Kamra’s show and where he made the comment, was demolished by the city's civic body citing an unspecified violation, NDTV reported. This was after a mob of Shiv Sena workers vandalised the studio on Sunday. Videos of the vandalism showed a mob destroying the studio and damaging properties.

Meanwhile, Habitat Studio distanced itself from Kamra’s statement, saying it is not accountable for the performers' comments.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Police also arrested Shiv Sena functionary Rahul Kanal and 11 others for vandalising the studio. Earlier, the Police registered a case against the vandals.