Mumbai Police Initiates Case Against Shiv Sena Leaders Over Vandalism Incident
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Synopsis
The Mumbai Police have registered an offence against Shiv Sena leaders for their involvement in vandalism at the UniContinental Hotel, where comedian Kunal Kamra made controversial remarks about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The incident has sparked widespread outcry and calls for legal action.
Key Takeaways
- Mumbai Police initiated an investigation into vandalism.
- Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra faced backlash for his remarks.
- Shiv Sena activists allegedly engaged in property damage.
- Legal actions have been filed against multiple individuals.
- Freedom of speech concerns have been raised by political leaders.
Mumbai, March 24 (NationPress) The Mumbai Police have filed a case against Rahool Kanal, the social media in-charge of Shiv Sena, along with Kunal Sarmalkar, the Bandra Vibhag Pramukh, and 18 others regarding the vandalism that occurred at the UniContinental Hotel. This incident is linked to a performance by stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, during which he labeled Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a "traitor".
Kanal and the others have been summoned for questioning by the Khar police station.
In the meantime, Sanjay Nirupam, a deputy leader of Shiv Sena, has issued threats against Kamra. The police have increased security measures at the UniContinental Hotel.
On Sunday night, Shiv Sena supporters reportedly damaged chairs and the entire set used in Kamra's show. Activists burned Kamra's photograph outside the Wagle Estate police station in Thane, a stronghold for both Shiv Sena and Deputy CM Shinde.
Many Shiv Sena members gathered outside various police stations to demand legal action against Kamra.
During his show, Kamra quipped, "Meri nazar se tum dekho to gaddar nazar wo aaye." He ridiculed Shinde with a modified version of a song from the film "Dil To Pagal Hai", which amused the audience. He later shared a video clip of this moment on X. Kamra referenced Shinde's 2022 rebellion that caused the split of Shiv Sena into factions led by Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray.
Murji Patel, a Shiv Sena legislator, has lodged a complaint against Kamra at the MIDC police station in Andheri, citing sections 353(1)(b), 353(2), and 356(2).
Additionally, Kanal has filed a criminal complaint at the Khar police station against Kamra, Aditya Thackeray, Rahul Gandhi, and Sanjay Raut under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. He accuses them of a premeditated conspiracy aiming to tarnish the reputation of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Kanal's complaint states that Kamra's actions, which include making statements that offend public sentiment and using obscene language targeting Dy CM Shinde, are not only inappropriate but also illegal under the BNS provisions. "While constructive criticism is welcomed, such derogatory and defamatory remarks are unacceptable and constitute cognizable criminal offenses," he asserted.
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC remarked on X, "Did not know that you can RENT a comedian and use him as your PUPPET?!?!. Or as a mere diversionary tactic. Kamra’s comment, 'Meri nazar se tum dekho to gaddar nazar wo aaye,' isn’t comedy but vulgarity. He clearly does not understand what it takes for an auto rickshaw driver to gain public support to become a CM and Dy CM of Maharashtra, especially with the popularity of @mieknathshjnde. The cadre of @Shivsenaofc demands legal action against @kunalkamra88.
Conversely, AAP leader Priti Sharma Menon criticized Deputy Chief Minister Dev Fadnavis on X, stating, "Shame @Dev-Fadnavis, you’ve shown that you have no authority as home minister. You couldn’t maintain order in Nagpur and have now allowed vandalism to spread to Mumbai."
The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief spokesperson Atul Londhe condemned the vandalism, stating, "This act goes against the freedom of speech. Why hurt someone through comedy? It's wrong to use power to stifle voices."
