A comedian known for his sharp political satire is under investigation for defamation following jokes about a prominent Indian state leader who is an ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This incident is fueling ongoing debates about free speech in India.
Police in Mumbai launched the investigation on Monday against Kunal Kamra, a well-known comedian, over a comedy skit that mocked Eknath Shinde, the second-highest elected official in Maharashtra. The complaint was filed by a politician from Shinde’s Shiv Sena party.
The jokes were part of a skit, though the exact date of the performance is unclear. A video clip Kamra posted on Instagram on Sunday showed him mocking Shinde in a parody song. The comedian referred to Shinde as a “traitor,” which particularly angered Shiv Sena supporters. On Sunday, a group of party workers vandalized the studio where Kamra performed the skit. Police are also investigating the incident of vandalism.
In response, Naresh Mhaske, a lawmaker from Shiv Sena, posted a threatening video, warning Kamra that party workers would chase him across the country. “You will be forced to flee India,” Mhaske said in the message.
Although Shinde himself has not yet commented, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, said Kamra should apologize for his remarks. “We respect freedom of expression, but recklessness will not be tolerated,” Fadnavis told reporters.
Kamra has not publicly addressed the investigation, but he posted an image on Instagram on Sunday holding the Indian Constitution, with the caption: “The only way forward.”
The Habitat Comedy Club, where Kamra performed, announced it would close temporarily due to the vandalism. In a statement on Monday, the club expressed shock and concern over the incident, stating, “We are shocked, worried, and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us.” It added that the club would remain closed “until we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy.”
Kamra has previously faced backlash from Hindu nationalist groups and political parties, especially for jokes about Prime Minister Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party.
Other comedians in India have also faced arrests or had their shows canceled for making jokes about politicians, Hinduism, or national symbols.
