Mumbai, March 24, 2025 – The Maharashtra government has launched a high-stakes investigation into comedian Kunal Kamra’s call records and financial transactions, escalating a controversy that erupted over his alleged defamatory remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, confirmed the development on Monday, asserting that strict action will be taken as per the law once Kamra’s whereabouts are traced.
A Joke That Sparked Outrage
The row began when Kamra, during a stand-up performance at Habitat Studio in Mumbai’s Khar area, reportedly mocked Shinde by calling him a “traitor” and tweaking lyrics from the Bollywood hit Dil To Pagal Hai to take a dig at his 2022 rebellion against Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. The comments, part of his show Naya Bharat, went viral after Kamra posted a clip on social media, drawing sharp reactions from the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Shiv Sena workers, incensed by the jibe, vandalised the venue on Sunday night, smashing equipment and prompting Habitat Studio to announce a temporary shutdown. The Mumbai Police swiftly registered two FIRs—one against Kamra for public mischief and defamation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 353(1)(b) and 356(2), and another against 13 Sena activists, including Yuva Sena leader Rahool Kanal, for the attack.
Government Cracks Down
Minister Kadam, addressing the media, said, “Kamra’s location is being traced. We will investigate his call records and bank transactions to ascertain if there’s more to this than meets the eye. Legal action will follow.” The move has fueled speculation of a deeper probe into whether Kamra’s remarks were part of a coordinated campaign, with Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam alleging that the comedian was funded by Uddhav Thackeray’s camp at Matoshree—a charge Kamra has denied.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, weighing in on the issue, condemned Kamra’s remarks as “low-level comedy” that crossed the line of free speech. “Freedom of expression doesn’t mean you can defame someone recklessly. Kamra must apologise,” Fadnavis said, assuring that the law would take its course. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar echoed this, urging restraint within legal boundaries.
Kamra Stands Firm
Speaking to Mumbai Police from Tamil Nadu, Kamra reportedly told investigators he has “no regrets” about his comments and would only apologise if ordered by a court. Sources told NDTV that he dismissed claims of being a paid agitator, even offering to open his financial records for scrutiny. On X, Kamra posted a cryptic image of himself with the Indian Constitution, captioned “The only way forward,” signaling his defiance.
Political Slugfest Intensifies
The controversy has ignited a political firestorm. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has rallied behind Kamra, with Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant declaring, “Every word he said was correct.” Aaditya Thackeray called Shinde’s reaction the act of an “insecure coward,” while Congress leader Atul Londhe questioned why the government feared a comedian’s satire.
On the other side, Shinde’s faction doubled down. MLA Murji Patel, who filed the initial complaint, demanded an apology within 48 hours, threatening further action. Sena leader Shaina NC branded Kamra’s act “vulgarity masquerading as comedy,” defending Shinde’s rise from an autorickshaw driver to a mass leader.
A Broader Debate
The incident has reignited debates over free speech versus political sensitivity in India. Data from The Hindu shows a 64% rise in student suicides over the past decade, a statistic unrelated to this case but reflective of the heightened scrutiny on public figures and institutions. Meanwhile, Times of India reported the BMC’s demolition of “illegal” structures at Habitat Studio, adding another layer to the fallout.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on whether Kamra’s defiance will hold or if the Maharashtra government’s probe will unearth evidence to bolster its case. For now, the comedian’s joke has turned into a serious test of legal and political boundaries in the state.
