Will seek answers from Kamra whenever he comes to Mumbai, Says Murji Patel

Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel has stated that the party will seek an explanation from comedian Kunal Kamra for his offensive comments regarding Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the moment Kamra comes to Mumbai. The comedian is facing a police case for reportedly calling Shinde a "traitor" in his recent stand-up special.

Talking to the media on Tuesday, Patel, who was the complainant in the original case, alleged Kamra is intentionally not coming to Maharashtra at all after several police summons. "He is still refusing to come to Mumbai. He is hiding outside the state," the MLA said.

Patel also said that even if Kamra has obtained interim anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court, that won't prevent the party from asking questions. "They have served us a copy. Several such notices come and go. We will definitely ask for an answer from Kunal Kamra when he arrives in Mumbai," he said.

Kamra, known for his satirical commentary on political matters, recently uploaded a new comedy series called Naya Bharat on his YouTube channel. In the video, he reportedly called Eknath Shinde a "traitor"—a statement which led to backlash from the ruling Maharashtra party.

In response to Patel's complaint, the Khar police lodged an FIR against Kamra under sections 353(1)(b) (statements leading to public mischief) and 356(2) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Kamra, despite receiving three summons from the police, still hasn't come for questioning in person.

Bombay High Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Mumbai Police and MLA Murji Patel on a plea by Kamra challenging the FIR. The matter is to be heard by the court on April 16.

The Madras High Court meantime extended Kamra's interim transit anticipatory bail until April 17.

Kamra has also claimed that he is being sent death threats after the controversy, and has asked for any police questioning to be done through video conference because of security issues.