The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday carried out a demolition drive at The Habitat Studio, located inside the Unicontinental Hotel in Mumbai’s Khar area. This action followed a controversy triggered by a video featuring comedian Kunal Kamra, where he mocked Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

BMC's Demolition Drive at The Habitat Studio

According to reports, a BMC team entered the studio premises armed with hammers and began dismantling illegal structures. Officials claimed that parts of the studio were illegally built on encroached land between two hotels. Assistant Commissioner Vinayak Vispute stated, “The studio owner has constructed some temporary illegal sheds, which we are now removing. This does not require any notice.” Further action will be taken after examining the building plans for additional irregularities.

Political Controversy Behind the Action

The incident escalated following Kunal Kamra’s performance at The Habitat Studio, where he called Eknath Shinde a ‘traitor’ and sang a parody song referencing his 2022 rebellion against former Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. The performance led to strong backlash from Shiv Sena workers, who allegedly vandalized the studio and hotel on Sunday night.

On Monday, Mumbai Police registered an FIR against Kamra for making defamatory remarks against Shinde. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis strongly condemned Kamra’s statements, stating, “The 2024 assembly poll results have shown who is a ‘gaddar’ (traitor) and who is a ‘khuddar’ (self-respecting). People have put a stamp of approval on Shinde being the true inheritor of Bal Thackeray’s legacy.”

Kamra’s Response to the FIR

Kunal Kamra, who is currently in Tamil Nadu, denied allegations that he was paid by opposition parties to criticize Shinde. According to NDTV, Kamra told investigators that they were free to check his financial records. He also reportedly stated that he would only apologize if ordered by the court.

The political and legal ramifications of this controversy continue to unfold, with BMC’s demolition action drawing criticism for its timing and alleged political motivations.

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