Controversy Erupts as Comedian Kamra's Remarks Lead to Arrests

Police arrested Rahul Kanal and several others after comedian Kunal Kamra called Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde a 'traitor', causing a disturbance at a show. Kamra's parody referred to Shinde's rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray. Arrests follow backlash from Shiv Sena members, with ongoing investigations.

The contentious remarks by stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra during his performance at a Mumbai hotel have led to the arrest of prominent Shiv Sena functionary Rahul Kanal and 11 others. Kamra referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a 'traitor' through a parody song, sparking a significant backlash.

The incident occurred at the Habitat Comedy Club, where Kamra adapted a Hindi song to comment on Shinde's 2022 political rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray. This provoked an immediate response from Shiv Sena supporters, led by Kanal, who reportedly ransacked the venue, asserting it was a matter of safeguarding self-respect and venerating elders.

Khar police have named approximately 19 individuals in the FIR, with further suspects yet to be identified. Deputy Commissioner of Police Dixit Gedam confirmed that two separate charges have been registered, one against Kamra and the other involving vandalism, as the investigation continues.

(With inputs from agencies.)