Kunal Kamra Will Fully Assist in Investigation but Refuses to Apologize: Mumbai Police Contacted

Synopsis

Kunal Kamra, contacted by Mumbai Police regarding an FIR for calling Eknath Shinde a traitor, is willing to assist in the probe but refuses to apologize. He remains outside the city and emphasizes his legal rights amid growing political tension.

Key Takeaways

Kunal Kamra is ready to cooperate with the police investigation.
He refuses to apologize for his comments on Eknath Shinde.
Political tensions rise as Shiv Sena calls for an apology.
The opposition supports Kamra, questioning the FIR's validity.
Vandalism by Shiv Sena activists faces criticism from the opposition.

Mumbai, March 24 (NationPress) Shortly after an FIR was filed against him for labeling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a traitor during his performance, the Mumbai Police reached out to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, who is currently in Puducherry.

A source indicated that the police posed several questions to Kamra, to which he expressed his willingness to fully cooperate with the ongoing inquiry.

Sources revealed that Kamra clarified he is not in Mumbai but outside the city; however, he emphasized that he would not issue an apology.

"Kunal Kamra stated, 'I will comply with all legal requirements, but I will not apologize. I will act within the legal framework,'" a source citing the comedian reported.

The police noted that Kamra has not been summoned for questioning.

Previously, Shiv Sena insisted that Kamra should make an unconditional apology, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in the state assembly that strict measures would be enforced against Kamra.

"He (Kunal Kamra) disparaged Eknath Shinde in his subpar comedy. I want to remind Kunal Kamra that the public elected Eknath Shinde. Some individuals seek notoriety by stirring controversy. Kamra should recognize that the upcoming 2024 elections will reveal who is a traitor and who earns respect and support. Kunal Kamra is not above the public as everyone is aware that Eknath Shinde upholds the ideology of the late Balasaheb Thackeray.

"The opposition is backing Kunal Kamra, with some tweeting in his favor. Have you (opposition) conspired with Kunal Kamra? Rahul Gandhi showcases the Constitution, and Kunal Kamra tweeted a photo with the Constitution. We appreciate comedy and do enjoy it. While freedom of speech exists, it must be exercised within constitutional limits," Fadnavis remarked.

Nonetheless, the opposition has criticized the state government for filing the FIR against Kamra while others who have insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have been left unpunished.

Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena-UBT, along with his son Aaditya Thackeray, has supported Kamra, asserting that he has committed no wrongdoing.

They pointed out that Kamra did not mention Deputy CM Shinde, so to whom should he apologize?

The opposition has vocally condemned the vandalism of the studio by Shiv Sena activists, questioning whether the government will seek restitution from them.