New Delhi [India], March 25 (ANI): In the ongoing controversy surrounding stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Tuesday emphasised that the police should take appropriate action against him, adding that Kamra has now realised the consequences of his actions.

'Police have summoned Kunal Kamra for an inquiry. Kunal Kamra disrespected Eknath Shinde... Kunal Kamra should apologise, and the police should take action against him...There has been a reaction to an action. After insulting Eknath Shinde, Kunal Kamra realised what happens,' Athawale told ANI.

Earlier today, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske alleged that stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has been given money to make such statements to divert people's attention from the Disha Salian death case.

'Kunal Kamra has been given money to make such statements to divert people's attention away from Disha Salian's case. Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut are left with no workers, which is why they are putting forward people like Kunal Kamra,' he told ANI.

Shiv Sena MP warned that Kunal Kamra would face a 'reaction' for his remarks and threatened that Kamra couldn't walk 'freely' in Maharashtra.

Earlier on Tuesday, Kamra's refusal to apologise for his remarks made during a recent show has sparked strong reactions from Maharashtra government figures, including Maharashtra's Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam and Minister Gulab Patil.

MoS Home Yogesh Ramdas Kadam said that Kamra would be punished for his behaviour, which he described as 'unacceptable.'

Earlier, Mumbai Police sent a summons to the stand-up artist asking him to appear before the investigating officer on Tuesday.

As per Mumbai police, Kamra is not in Mumbai right now.

MIDC police had registered an FIR against Kamra for his remarks during a stand-up comedy show, which was transferred to Khar police for further investigation.

The Shiv Sena workers vandalised The Habitat in Mumbai after Kamra's remarks about Eknath Shinde on Sunday. (ANI)