In the case relating to satirical comments on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena Yuva Sena (Shinde faction) General Secretary Rahool Kanal asserted on Monday that comedian Kunal Kamra must face the law, regardless of the protection he has in Tamil Nadu.
“Following the procedure of law, (Shiv Sena) Yuva Sena members come to the police station for attendance every Monday and Thursday. We welcome the court’s verdict that gives him relief, but it is only until April 7,” he told news agency ANI.
#WATCH | Maharashtra | Comedian Kunal Kamra row | Shiv Sena Yuva Sena (Shinde faction) General Secretary Rahool Kanal says, “Following the procedure of law, (Shiv Sena) Yuva Sena members come to the police station for attendance every Monday and Thursday. We welcome the Court’s… pic.twitter.com/Rfl9AHMmSL
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2025
Kanal further stated, “No matter what protection he has there (in Tamil Nadu), whenever he comes to Mumbai, he will be welcomed in a good ‘Shiv Sena style’… It’s not a threat. Mumbai has this culture of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (Guest is God), and he considers himself a guest here now. What is there to be scared of? He should face the law and follow the procedure.”
Rahool Kanal is out on bail after he was arrested with other Shiv Sena members for vandalising Mumbai’s Habitat studio where Kunal Kamra performed his comedy special including sarcasting reference to Shinde in a song.
Maharashtra Ministers Threatening Kunal Kamra Openly: Sanjay Raut
The remarks come after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused Maharashtra cabinet ministers of issuing serious threats against Kamra. Speaking at a press conference, Raut claimed, “Ministers in the state cabinet are threatening Kunal Kamra openly, demanding that he be ‘shot and hanged immediately.’ This lawlessness continues under the watch of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has remained silent on this matter.”
Raut also questioned the government’s inaction, drawing parallels with past incidents. “Just as the Maharashtra government provided security to Kangana Ranaut during her rift with Shiv Sena, I demand the same level of protection for Kunal Kamra,” he said.
Kamra is facing multiple legal cases over his remarks against Shinde, with three additional complaints recently filed at the Khar police station by the Mayor of Jalgaon, a hotelier, and a businessman from Nashik. The complaints pertain to alleged derogatory comments made by the comedian.
The Mumbai Police had earlier summoned Kamra for questioning, directing him to appear at the Khar police station by 31 March. This marks the third such summons issued after he failed to comply with the previous two, which were based on a case filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel.
On 27 March, the Madras High Court granted Kamra interim anticipatory bail, providing him relief until 7 April. He had approached the court seeking transit anticipatory bail, citing threats he had been receiving following his satirical remarks. Justice Sunder Mohan granted the relief with certain conditions, allowing Kamra to remain free from immediate arrest.
