Kunal Karma Skips Second Summon; Shiv Sena Hints At ‘Special’ Welcome

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has skipped the second summon issued by the Mumbai Police in connection with his remarks on former Chief Minister and current Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Last week, Kamra shared a stand-up performance titled Naya Bharat on his X (formerly Twitter) handle. The video included jokes about various National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Following the video's release, Shiv Sena workers protested at the venue, Habitat, where Kamra’s performance was recorded. Subsequently, the Mumbai Police registered an FIR against both the Shiv Sena workers and Kunal Kamra.

Shiv Sena leader Rahool Kanal and others were arrested but were later released on bail. On Monday, Mumbai Police summoned both Kamra and Kanal for questioning.

While Rahool Kanal appeared at Khar Police Station and recorded his statement, Kamra did not comply with the summons. Speaking to the media after his statement, Kanal said, "We are cooperating with the investigation. We are not running from the law like others. Claiming that one’s life is in danger is a lame excuse. When the statement was made, there was no such fear. Seeking relief from Madras (Madras High Court) and then claiming to feel unsafe in your Karm Bhumi (Mumbai), which has given you so much, is something people should reflect upon."

Kanal further stated, "Just as India believes in Atithi Devo Bhava (Guests are like gods), we will welcome him in our Shiv Sena style when he arrives in Mumbai."

He also revealed, "Kamra called me several times. A day before, he spoke to me for seven minutes, saying, ‘You know me, no one told me to do this. It’s all my content.’"

Meanwhile, Kamra posted a picture on X with the caption, "Going to an address where I haven’t lived for the last 10 years is a waste of your time & public resources."