Kunal Kamra tells Mumbai Police he doesn't regret his remarks
What's the story
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has reportedly told the Mumbai Police that he doesn't regret his controversial remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde.
The comedian, who is currently in Tamil Nadu, also denied rumors of being paid by the opposition to criticize Shinde.
Kamra told the police that they could check his financial details if needed and he'd only apologize for his comments if instructed by the courts, reported NDTV.
Controversy
Kamra's controversial comments during a show
Kamra's controversial remarks were made on the stage during a performance where he sang the parody version of Bholi Si Surat, a hit song from the 1997 blockbuster Dil To Pagal Hai.
The song reportedly aimed at Shinde, calling him a "gaddar" (traitor).
Shinde spearheaded a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray in 2022, leading to his government's fall and the Shiv Sena party's split.
Backlash
Shiv Sena's strong disapproval and subsequent protests
The Shinde mockery had Shiv Sena workers protest and vandalize. The incident took place after Kamra's performance was shot at a studio in Mumbai's Khar area Hotel UniContinental.
Shiv Sena workers stormed the hotel and ransacked the studio and hotel premises.
Condemning Kamra in the wake of the controversy, Shiv Sena leaders had warned him of "dire consequences."
Legal proceedings
Kamra faces legal action, Shiv Sena workers arrested
After the incident, the police registered an FIR against Kamra for allegedly making defamatory remarks about Shinde. The charges include sections related to public mischief and defamation.
The FIR was lodged by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, who had filed a complaint after the standup video went viral.
Nearly 40 Shiv Sena workers were also arrested for allegedly vandalizing the Habitat Studio and the hotel.