• Source:JND
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Mumbai News: Mumbai's Habitat studio, a well-known venue for stand-up comedy, has announced its temporary closure following vandalism by Shiv Sena workers. The protest was sparked by comedian Kunal Kamra's jokes aimed at Eknath Shinde, the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and party leader. 

In a statement shared on Instagram, Habitat expressed its shock and concern over the recent attack, stating that it will remain closed "until we find a way to ensure free expression without risking our safety and property."

ALSO READ: Shiv Sena Leaders Detained After Mumbai Hotel Vandalised Over Kunal Kamra's ‘Gaddar’ Remark On Eknath Shinde

The statement further added, "We are deeply saddened by the vandalism aimed at us. Artists are solely responsible for their own views and creative decisions. We have never interfered with the content presented by any artist, but these events have made us reconsider our role, as we often face blame and threats as if we are proxies for the performers."

 
 
 
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The vandalism occurred after Kamra’s remarks during a show, where he referred to Shinde in a derogatory manner. Shiv Sena members damaged the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where Kamra's performance was filmed, as well as the Hotel Unicontinental, which houses the club.

Following the incident, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel filed a police complaint, leading to a First Information Report (FIR) being registered against Kamra under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These include charges related to public mischief and defamation. An official from the MIDC police station confirmed that an investigation is currently underway.

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Kamra's performance included a parody of a Hindi song from the film Dil To Pagal Hai, which elicited laughter from the audience but also drew ire from Shiv Sena leaders. A video of Kamra's jibe went viral, prompting Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut to share it on social media, calling it "Kunal Ka Kamal."

On Sunday night, a large group of Shiv Sena workers gathered outside the studio and the hotel, leading to the destruction of property. This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding freedom of expression in the arts and the potential repercussions for artists in India.