BMC Resumes Demolition Work At Mumbai Studio Where Kunal Kamra Performed, Cites Rule Violations In Rooftop And Basement

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reportedly recommenced the dismantling of the unauthorised structures at Mumbai's Habitat Studio, where stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra performed, taking 'gaddar' (traitor) jibe at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The action was taken due to rule violations, according to the BMC. This incident represents the second day in a row that BMC officials have visited Unicontinental, The Habitat, in Khar, with the aim of tearing down the venue's unauthorised section.

Within a day of Kunal Kamra's video allegedly mocking Eknath Shinde being shared on social media, which was supposedly filmed at the venue, Shiv Sainiks reacted by ransacking the studio. Consequently, the BMC took immediate action on Monday afternoon by tearing down an unlawful section of the club.

The local government took action following state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik's request to BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to dismantle the allegedly illegal studio. In a conversation with Hindustan Times on Monday, Gagrani mentioned that he had informed the assistant commissioner of H Ward, Vinayak Vispute, to “check possible illegalities in the structure”.

The BMC team discovered that the studio owners had constructed a temporary shed on the rooftop, which was subsequently demolished by the civic team. They also discovered that the basement, intended solely for storage purposes, was being utilised as a studio.

“We told them to remove the shed which is illegal. Since they were unable to do so, our people removed it,” Vispute said highlighting that notices are not needed to be issued to owners of property if the illegal structure is temporary in nature.

“The basement is meant for storage – a norm flouted by the club. This is illegal. We are looking at this closely. We got the building plan, and will proceed on the next course of action on Tuesday. We will be able to say conclusively on what lies ahead then,” Vispute had said.