Premium

Kunal Kamra row: Man who vandalised Mumbai studio a key Shinde Sena youth face with friends in film world

Rahool Kanal, who was once an aide of Aaditya Thackeray, led Sena workers who vandalised the Habitat studio where comedian Kunal Kamra recorded his show, making the “gaddar” jibe at Eknath Shinde.

The Mumbai police arrested Kanal and several other Sena workers for ransacking the Habitat studio in a Mumbai hotel where Kunal Kamra's show was recorded.

Rahool Kanal switched to Shinde Sena after quitting Sena (UBT) in July 2023 and has been its Yuva Sena's core committee member since. (Credit: X/@RahoolNKanal)

The Shiv Sena workers who on Sunday night vandalised the studio in Mumbai, where Kunal Kamra in his show made his “gaddar” jibe at Sena president and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, was led by Rahool Kanal.

A known Sena leader in Mumbai’s upscale Bandra area, Kanal, 39, became close to Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray after the establishment of the Yuva Sena, the youth wing of the then undivided Shiv Sena, by the latter in 2010.

Starting as a Yuva Sena worker, Kanal was named its first district president in Mumbai and rose through the ranks to become its committee member and an aide of Aaditya.

Kanal quit the Sena (UBT) in July 2023, expressing his resentment over the functioning of Aaditya, who is still the Yuva Sena chief, and switched to the Shinde Sena. He has since been a member of the core committee of the Shinde’s Yuva Sena.

Kanal, who owns a restaurant in Bandra, is considered close to several celebrities in the Mumbai film and entertainment industry as well as some prominent sportspersons. He has been seen distributing food kits along with film star Salman Khan.

Also Read | BMC inspects Kunal Kamra show venue, says Habitat management pulled down unauthorised shed

Born and brought up in Mumbai, Kanal runs a few NGOs, including “I Love Mumbai”, and has been involved in several corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.

He was appointed a trustee of Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust (SSST), the temple trust in Shirdi. He was also named a member of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)’s education committee in 2017.

Story continues below this ad

In 2022, the Income Tax department had raided Kanal’s premises in Mumbai in connection with an alleged hawala racket involving Sena leader Yashwant Jadhav.

Kanal had also filed a defamation case against BJP MLA and now minister Nitesh Rane after the latter had tweeted to allege his involvement in the deaths of Disha Salian and Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020. In his response to Nitesh, Kanal had then tweeted: “Social media is a responsible platform. I won’t bow down to the irresponsible online bullying from anyone. Taking the legal recourse as my lawyer…will be serving the defamation notice to Mr Rane on his unwarranted allegations.”

On Monday, the Mumbai police arrested Kanal and several other Sena workers for ransacking the Habitat studio in a Mumbai hotel where Kunal Kamra’s show was recorded.

Vallabh Ozarkar

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With approximately seven years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More