March 31, 2025: Comedian Kunal Kamra found himself at the center of controversy as Mumbai police officers arrived at his residence on Monday over his jokes targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The visit came after Kamra failed to appear for questioning at the Khar police station despite receiving summons in connection with the issue.

The police had previously issued two summons to Kamra following the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) on March 24, based on a complaint filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. Three separate cases have been lodged against the comedian, including complaints from the Mayor of Jalgaon, a Nashik-based businessman, and a hotelier.

The controversy erupted after Kamra, in an episode released on March 23, used a parody version of a song from the 1997 Bollywood film Dil Toh Pagal Hai, allegedly mocking Shinde. The act sparked outrage among Shiv Sena supporters, leading to vandalism at the Mumbai venue where Kamra had performed. Following the incident, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) initiated a demolition drive at the Habitat studio, the venue of Kamra’s show.

Kamra, however, remained defiant, refusing to apologize for his remarks. In a statement, he condemned the vandalism and asserted that he would not be intimidated. "I will not apologise... I don't fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down," he declared.

Meanwhile, the Madras High Court granted interim anticipatory bail to Kamra on Friday, shielding him from arrest until April 7. The comedian had sought protection, citing multiple threats following his satirical performance.

As the legal battle unfolds, the incident has reignited debates on free speech, political satire, and the limits of artistic expression in India.