Amid the intensifying political row over comedian Kunal Kamra's subtle dig at Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde during his comedy show in Mumbai, a banker who had attended the show was summoned as a witness after a case was registered against the comedian over his alleged jibes against Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday.
A summons was sent to the banker, who had booked a ticket for Kamra's show through the BookMyShow app on March 29, a senior police official said. While the police later told the Navi Mumbai-based man that his presence was not needed immediately.
Before sending him a notice, the investigating officer had called the banker and asked him to visit the Khar police station, the official added
But later, after certain developments in the case, the police called the banker again and told him that his appearance was not required immediately, the officer said, adding he could be called whenever his statement is necessary.
Kamra Apologises For Inconvenience
Taking cognisance of the matter, Kamra later took to social media to express regret over the inconvenience caused to him, and offered to schedule that person's next vacation anywhere in India.
"I am deeply sorry for the inconvenience that attending my show has caused to you. Please email me so that I can schedule your next vacation anywhere you'd like in India," Kamra posted on X.
According to the reports, the man, who was to return from vacation on April 6, had to come back to Mumbai on Monday.
Kunal Kamra's 'Gaddar' Joke
The entire controversy stemmed from Kunal Kamra's recent performance at the Habitat Comedy Club at the Unicontinental Hotel in the Khar area. The 36-year-old stand-up comedian's content kicked up a major political storm in Maharashtra for taking a jibe at Shinde's political career in his show.
Kamra had referred to Shinde as a "traitor" and went on to sing a modified version of a Hindi song from the movie 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai' to describe the 2022 rebellion of Shinde against Uddhav Thackeray.
On the same day, Shiv Sena workers vandalised the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where Kamra's show took place, as well as the hotel in whose premises the club is located.
On the next day, police arrested Shiv Sena worker Rahul Kanal and 11 others for vandalising the show venue. A local court granted them bail the same day.
Based on a complaint lodged by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, an FIR was registered against Kamra on March 28 for alleged defamation at the Khar police station. The banker was asked to be present as the police wanted to record statements of witnesses, the official said.
On March 28, the Madras High Court also interim anticipatory bail to the comedian. Justice Sunder Mohan also issued a notice to Khar police, and posted the matter to April 7 for further hearing.
