The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished “unauthorized structures” at The Habitat Studio in Khar on Monday, following the vandalism of the venue by workers from the Eknath Shinde-led faction of Shiv Sena. The incident occurred after a video of comedian Kunal Kamra performing jokes, reportedly criticizing Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, circulated online.
Kamra’s jokes, which alluded to Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray, did not mention Shinde by name. The Shinde faction of Shiv Sena accused Kamra of insulting their leader.
On Monday, BMC officials began demolishing parts of the Unicontinental Hotel in Khar, where The Habitat Studio is located, citing violations of building regulations. The demolition took place under heavy police security, with drones monitoring the area.
In response to the incident, the management of The Habitat Studio announced that they would close the venue temporarily. They expressed feeling “extremely broken” by the attack, stating, “Artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices.” The venue added that they had never been involved in the content performed by artists but were reconsidering their approach due to the increased targeting they faced.
A First Information Report (FIR) has also been filed against Kamra, based on a complaint from Shinde Sena MLA Murji Patel. Patel demanded Kamra apologize to Eknath Shinde within two days or face consequences. “If he is seen anywhere in public, we will paint his face black,” Patel threatened.
The Mumbai Police arrested 12 individuals, including Rahool Kanal, the general secretary of Shinde Sena’s youth wing, for their involvement in the vandalism. A total of 19 people have been booked in connection with the incident.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis spoke on the matter, stating, “Kunal Kamra should apologize. This will not be tolerated. There is the right to comedy, but if it is being done to defame our deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde purposely, it is not right.”
Fadnavis said that while the Constitution allows for freedom of speech, there are limits. “One may create humour, but making derogatory statements cannot be accepted,” he said.
On the other hand, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief Uddhav Thackeray supported Kamra, stating that calling someone a “traitor” is not an attack on anyone. “Kunal Kamra has not done any wrong,” Thackeray said.
