Mumbai: Shiv Sena (Shinde) youth leaders Rahool N Kanal and Kunal Sarmalkar have been reportedly released by the Mumbai police on notice. Kanal and Sarmalkar, among 19 others were taken into custody for vandalising The Habitat studio in Khar West, after comedian Kunal Kamra's controversial remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Sarmalkar, who was arrested alongside Kanal, who is a social emdia in-charge of the party, told The Hindu, "Last night, we had gone to the hotel where the shoot (of Kunal Kamra’s stand-up comedy show) had taken place. Vandalism that took place last night. Thereafter, we were taken to the police station at around 3.30 AM today (March 24). The police have given a notice to Rahool Kanal and me. The others have been placed under arrest and will be produced in court today. We have been asked to cooperate with the probe and to remain present at the police station whenever the police summon us. We will now seek bail in the matter."
FIR Lodged Against Kunal Kamra
A separate FIR has been registered against Kamra for his remarks on Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. The complaint was filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, alleging that Kamra’s statements were defamatory and incited public unrest.
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The FIR, lodged at Khar police station, invokes multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Kamra, including Section 132 (promoting enmity between groups), Section 189(2) and 189(3) (statements conducing to public mischief), Section 190 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), Section 191(2) (defamation of a public servant), and Section 324 (intent to incite violence). The case is currently under investigation.
What Is the Controversy About?
The controversy erupted after Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut shared a video of Kamra, modifying a Hindi song to take a jibe at Shinde, referring to him as 'traitor' during his stand-up act performed at the Habitat.
Have a look at the controversial video here:
In response, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske alleged that Kamra was paid by Uddhav Thackeray to target Shinde. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel called for Kamra to issue an apology, while Aaditya Thackeray condemned the vandalism and raised concerns over the state's law and order situation.
Meanwhile, The Habitat announce its temporary closure following the controversy.
