Shiv Sena Minister Shambhuraj Desai Warns Comedian Of Consequences; Seeks Police Action

Mumbai: Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai has issued a stern warning, suggesting that stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra will face severe repercussions, including third-degree treatment and be placed inside a tire. Desai claimed that Shiv Sena workers have refrained from taking action only because Eknath Shinde instructed them to stay silent.

Regarding the Kunal Kamra controversy, Desai stated, “Kunal Kamra does such things deliberately. He disrespected Dy CM Eknath Shinde, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, PM Modi, and even the Supreme Court. Now it’s time for Shiv Sena to respond. We are ministers, but first, we are Shiv Sena members, and we hold the power to act accordingly. If Kamra has the courage, he should make public statements instead of hiding behind his remarks. We will ask the Dy CM to instruct the police to find him and take appropriate action.”

Shiv Sena (Shinde) office bearer Rahul Kanal, who was involved in vandalising the Uncontinental auditorium, alleged that Kamra received terrorist funding from Khalistani sources. Kanal accused Kamra of using this illicit funding to destabilize the country’s integrity and law and order. Kanal made these allegations on X (formerly Twitter), filing a complaint at Khar police station, urging an investigation into potential illegal financial transactions tied to Kamra’s YouTube channel.

He demanded a ban on Kamra’s channel. Kanal alleged, “Amounts like 400 dollars and 300 euros have been sent to Kamra from Canada, America, and Pakistan. This is not income earned through hard work, but illegal money disguised as ‘tips.’ Just a day ago, Kamra received 400 dollars. This is terrorist funding, and action should be taken to ban Kamra’s YouTube channel within 24 hours.”

Kanal also linked these funds to political backing, specifically referring to Sanjay Raut. Kanal claimed Kamra had called him, asking how he could go against the law, but Kanal responded by asserting Kamra was the accused. Kanal further stated, “This seems to be tied to transactions worth Rs. 1.5 to 2 crore.” On X, Kanal posted, “Kamra’s channel should be demonetized, and financial transactions should be blocked. I have over 300 screenshots of payments linked to videos targeting the Prime Minister and others.

These accounts must be scrutinized, as evidence points to Khalistani funding.” Kanal submitted a letter to Khar police on Thursday, requesting an investigation into these financial irregularities. He provided receipts of financial transactions as part of his complaint. Meanwhile, the Khar police issued two summons to Kamra on Monday and Wednesday, but he has not appeared yet.

Kamra criticized the media on X, calling them “vultures” and accusing them of miscommunication for the ruling party. He added, “If they shut shop tomorrow, it will be a favour to the country.” In response to Kamra’s post, a reply on X stated: “Come to Mumbai and face the law. No one is above the law. The media is an integral part, and this is your biggest mistake—intentional due to your sad attitude. Grow up. Whatever you think or say cannot be right. Whether the media stays open or shuts is God’s will.”