'He is not a terrorist': Sanjay Raut demands special protection for Kunal Kamra amid joke row

NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) senior leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday demanded special protection for stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra after three more cases filed against him at Mumbai, Khar police station.
Kamra is facing legal trouble over his remarks about Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde in his recently released stand-up video, titled, "Naya Bharat".
Raut compared Kamra’s situation to that of BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, who was given security after her dispute with the Shiv Sena. He said, "Just like Kangana Ranaut was provided protection, Kunal Kamra should also get the same."
Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Raut said, "I have told him (Kunal Kamra) to say whatever he has to say in front of the law and not run away. Mumbai Police is unbiased… Special protection should be given to Kunal Kamra. He is a citizen of this country, an artist, a comedian, a writer. He is not a terrorist. It’s not wrong to talk to him."
He further demanded that the Maharashtra government ensure Kamra’s safety, saying, "I also demand that the Maharashtra government should provide special protection to Kunal Kamra. Kangana Ranaut was also provided special force for her security when she had a rift with us."
Meanwhile, three more complaints have been registered against Kamra. One was filed by the mayor of Jalgaon city, while the other two came from a hotelier and a businessman from Nashik, according to Mumbai Police. The Mumbai police have summoned Kamra to appear for questioning at Khar police station on March 31.
This is the third summon issued in connection with a complaint filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. Kamra has not appeared in response to the first two summons.
On Friday, the Madras high court granted Kamra interim anticipatory bail in connection with multiple FIRs against him. Justice Sunder Mohan granted protection from arrest until April 7, with certain conditions.
Kamra approached the court seeking bail, stating that he has been receiving threats after making satirical remarks.
On Thursday, Kamra accused mainstream media of acting as a mouthpiece for the ruling party. He called journalists "vultures" and criticised them for spreading misinformation and diverting attention from important issues.
Kamra stirred controversy with his “gaddar” (traitor) joke, which was allegedly aimed at Eknath Shinde. Many political leaders condemned his remarks and demanded action against him.