Online ticketing website BookMyShow has apparently removed all content associated with stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, including deleting his name from the artiste list on its website, as per a report by India Today.
This follows a letter written to the platform by Yuva Shiv Sena general secretary Rahool N Kanal, who called on the platform to desist from promoting or selling tickets for Kamra’s future performances in light of concerns raised by the comedian’s previous comments.
What did Kanal say?
In his April 2 letter, Kanal said he was concerned about the effect of Kamra’s material, adding, “I, Rahool N Kanal, am writing this letter in my personal capacity as a concerned citizen to draw your attention to a matter of public interest regarding the operations of BookMyShow.”
He added, “I have been apprised of the fact that BookMyShow has in the past arranged sale of tickets to shows with Mr Kunal Kamra, an individual with a known track record of habitual insulting behavior.”
Kanal also targeted Kamra for allegedly making targeting key leaders like the Prime Minister, deputy chief ministers, and other important public figures, referring to it as part of a “campaign of vilification.
Aftermath of Complaint Filed by Shiv Sena Leader
Simultaneously, Kamra is facing increasing legal issues. A complaint was lodged by a Shiv Sena representative with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police on April 3, asking for an investigation into Kamra’s money transactions through his content. According to the complaint, Kamra has been receiving money from foreign nations through his videos online and there have been raised questions regarding the origin of his money.
In a separate move, the Mumbai Police served a third notice to Kamra, asking him to appear for questioning on April 5 over his video “Naya Bharat,” in which he had made sarcastic remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The Khar police had previously booked Kamra on a complaint lodged by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, who alleged that the video was defamatory.
Kamra has not turned up before the police despite repeated calls. He skipped questioning for the third time on Saturday, officials said.
Hostilities intensified after Kamra’s video ridiculing Shinde and the political divide within Shiv Sena. On March 23 night, party workers allegedly damaged the studio and the hotel where Kamra had made the video.