BMC Demolishes Illegal Sections of Habitat Studio After Kunal Kamra’s Eknath Shinde Satire
Date: 25-mar-2025 | By: Nuztrend Team
BMC Acts Swiftly After Political Satire Sparks Uproar
In a rapidly escalating controversy, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday resumed demolition of unauthorized structures at Habitat Studio in Mumbai’s Khar area — the venue where comedian Kunal Kamra recently performed a satirical piece targeting Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister, Eknath Shinde.
Video Goes Viral, Civic Action Follows
Kamra's video, posted on social media over the weekend, drew strong reactions from Shiv Sena members, with protests and vandalism reported at the venue. Within 24 hours, BMC officials arrived at Habitat and began demolishing parts of the club, citing illegal construction and misuse of space.
Details of Demolition
The civic body identified a makeshift shed on the terrace and a basement space being used as a recording studio, which is legally designated for storage. Assistant Commissioner Vinayak Vispute said, “We told them to remove the shed which is illegal. Since they failed to do so, our team took action.”
He further noted that temporary illegal structures do not always require prior notice. “The basement is meant for storage — a norm flouted by the club. We are now reviewing the building plans for further violations,” Vispute added.
Political Influence Behind the Action?
The demolition followed intervention by state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik, who reportedly urged the BMC commissioner to act against the venue. While the BMC maintains the action was taken on legal grounds, critics suggest political pressure may have played a role following Kamra’s video.
Studio Vandalized and Shut Down
Amid the controversy, the Habitat team posted a statement on Instagram announcing a temporary shutdown. “We are shocked, worried and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us,” the statement read. The studio clarified it is not involved in the content performed by artists and that creators are solely responsible for their views.
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“We are shutting down till we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy,” the statement concluded.
Shiv Sena Reaction
Shiv Sena's head of social media, Rahool Kanal, who led Sunday’s protest, said, “This studio is completely illegal. There’s no NOC from the fire department, and the basement is being misused.” He claimed the studio owner gave evasive replies when confronted.
Increased Police Presence
Following the protests, Mumbai Police has deployed personnel from the state reserve police force and local units outside the Habitat Studio premises to prevent further unrest.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the fragile relationship between political satire, artistic freedom, and civic response in India. As stand-up comedy continues to challenge political narratives, venues hosting such performances face increasing scrutiny — and, in some cases, direct consequences.
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