A banking professional from Navi Mumbai’s Kharghar had to cut short his 17-day trip to Tamil Nadu and Kerala after Mumbai Police summoned him for questioning in a defamation case against comedian Kunal Kamra. Originally scheduled to return on April 6, he flew back early after receiving multiple calls from the police.
Police Summon Forces Early Return
The banker left Mumbai on March 21 for his vacation. However, on March 28, he received a call from the police, followed by a WhatsApp notice the next day. The notice required him to appear for questioning on March 30 under Section 179 of the CrPC. Feeling pressured, he decided to return immediately.
“I told them I was out of town, but the officer doubted my claim and even threatened to visit my Kharghar residence,” he told The Times of India. “So, I had no choice but to cut my trip short and come back.”
Police Questioned His Attendance at Kamra’s Show
During questioning, the police asked about his presence at Kamra’s show. He explained that he had booked his ticket online and had proof of the booking. However, officers suspected he might have edited Kamra’s video.
“They asked if I had tampered with the footage,” he said. “But why would Kamra even give me his show’s video for editing?”
Mumbai Police Denies Issuing Summons to Audience Members
On Tuesday, Mumbai Police refuted claims of summoning Kamra’s audience members. A senior police official told PTI that no such notices had been issued.
Kunal Kamra Controversy and Legal Battle
Kunal Kamra’s latest special, Naya Bharat, released on YouTube on March 24, triggered backlash from Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena workers. They vandalized the venue, protesting a song in which Kamra allegedly called Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a “traitor.”
Authorities have registered three cases against Kamra, though the Madras High Court has granted him interim relief from arrest.
Police Continue Investigation
Meanwhile, police are recording statements from the cameraperson who filmed the show and other crew members. They have assured that Kamra will receive security when he appears for questioning.
