Banker Cuts Short Vacation After Mumbai Police Summons in Kunal Kamra Case
Mumbai, 2nd April 2025: A 46-year-old banker from Navi Mumbai was forced to cut short his 17-day vacation to Tamil Nadu and Kerala after being summoned by the Mumbai Police as a witness in a defamation case against comedian Kunal Kamra. The banker, who had left for his trip on 21st March and was scheduled to return on 6th April, received repeated calls from the police on 28th March, followed by a notice via WhatsApp on 29th March asking him to appear for questioning on March 30.
The case stems from Kamra’s satirical performance in his show ‘Naya Bharat, ‘ during which he allegedly referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor). The remarks sparked outrage among Shiv Sena workers, leading to vandalism at the Habitat studio where the show was recorded. An FIR was subsequently filed against Kamra at the Khar Police Station.
The banker explained that despite providing proof of his online ticket booking for the show, the police suggested he might have edited Kamra’s video. “Why would the comedian give me his footage for editing?” he questioned. He also revealed that an officer doubted his out-of-town status and threatened to visit his Kharghar residence, prompting him to abandon his trip and return to Mumbai prematurely.
However, Mumbai Police clarified that no audience members had been summoned for questioning in the case. Responding to the incident, Kunal Kamra expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the banker. In a social media post, Kamra apologized and offered to arrange the banker’s next vacation anywhere in India.
The controversy surrounding Kamra’s show has reignited debates about artistic freedom and political interference. While the Madras High Court has granted Kamra interim anticipatory bail, investigations into the case are ongoing.
