Rahool Kanal, Kunal Sarmalkar Released on Notice After Habitat Studio Vandalism in Kamra Row

33
323

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (Shinde) youth leaders Rahool N Kanal and Kunal Sarmalkar have been released on notice after being detained by the Mumbai police for their alleged involvement in the vandalism of The Habitat studio in Khar West. The incident occurred in response to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s satirical remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, where he referred to him as a ‘gaddar’ (traitor) in a parody song.

The two leaders were among 19 individuals taken into custody following the attack. While Kanal and Sarmalkar were let off with a notice, the others remain under arrest and will be presented in court. Sarmalkar, who was arrested alongside Kanal, stated, “Last night, we had gone to the hotel where Kunal Kamra’s stand-up comedy show was shot. Vandalism took place, and we were taken to the police station around 3:30 AM today (March 24). The police have given a notice to Rahool Kanal and me. The others have been placed under arrest and will be produced in court today. We have been asked to cooperate with the probe and to remain present at the police station whenever summoned. We will now seek bail in the matter.”

The FIR filed at Khar police station invokes multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Kamra, including Section 132 (promoting enmity between groups), Section 189(2) and 189(3) (statements conducing to public mischief), Section 190 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), Section 191(2) (defamation of a public servant), and Section 324 (intent to incite violence). The case remains under investigation.

The controversy intensified after Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut shared a clip of Kamra’s performance, which included a reworked Hindi song mocking Shinde’s 2022 defection from Shiv Sena. The act enraged Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) supporters, leading to the violent attack on the studio.

33 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here