Kunal Kamra defamation case: Mumbai banker cuts short vacation after police summons audience members

A 46-year-old banker from Navi Mumbai had to cut short his 17-day holiday in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and return to Mumbai after receiving repeated calls from Khar police, summoning him as a witness in the defamation case against stand-up comedian .

The case revolves around Kamra’s ‘Naya Bharat’ video, which led to vandalism by Shiv Sena workers at Habitat studio inside Hotel Unicontinental after Kamra allegedly referred to Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde as a ‘gaddar’ (traitor).

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Banker’s ordeal: From vacation to police summons

The banker, who had left for his trip on March 21 and was set to return on April 6, was first contacted by the police on March 28. A notice under Section 179 of the CrPC was then sent to him on March 29 via WhatsApp, asking him to appear the next day. Despite explaining that he was out of town, the police expressed doubts and even suggested visiting his residence in Kharghar, prompting him to return to Mumbai immediately.

“They told me I might have edited the video Kamra recorded. Why would the comedian give his show’s footage to me for editing?” he said, expressing frustration at being dragged into the investigation merely as an audience member who had booked a ticket online.

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Police widen investigation, Kamra responds

Police have begun recording statements from the cameraperson and staffers present when Kamra’s video was shot on February 2. Nearly 70 people attended the show that night, but authorities have not disclosed how many audience members have received similar summonses.

Kamra, who has already received two notices from Khar police, reacted sharply to the development. Taking to social media, he posted, “How to kill an artist: outrage, outrage more, outrage louder, outrage violently, summon their audience for questioning.”

He highlighted how systematic outrage and intimidation tactics can destroy an artist’s career, forcing them to either conform or disappear. Meanwhile, the Madras High Court has granted him interim relief from arrest, scheduling the next hearing for April 7.

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Political tensions rise amid legal battle

Shiv Sena workers, who vandalized the venue after Kamra’s video surfaced, have warned of welcoming the comedian ‘in Sena style’ when he returns to Mumbai. In response, police have assured that Kamra will be provided with adequate security.

The case has ignited fresh debates on artistic freedom, political influence, and the extent of police intervention in creative expression. With Kamra set to appear in court soon, all eyes remain on the unfolding legal and political drama.

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