The recent uproar over stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s ‘traitor’ jibe at Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde has brought the focus towards Shiv Sena functionary Rahool Kanal.
The Mumbai Police on March 24 arrested Kanal, a popular Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) youth leader and once a close aide of Aaditya Thackeray, and 11 others for vandalising Habitat Studio, where Kamra had made the controversial remarks.
Kanal reportedly led the attack that took place late on March 24 night. He was released on the same day as the arrest.
Who is Rahool Kanal, blamed for leading attack on Habitat Studio?
- Rahool Kanal is a philanthropist and social activist. He completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Mumbai in 2005, according to his LinkedIn profile.
- Kanal was reportedly a close aide of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray. He was actively associated with Shiv Sena (undivided)'s youth wing, Yuva Sena, for more than a decade.
- According to reports, Kanal left Shiv Sena (UBT) in 2023 and joined the Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde. He was appointed general secretary of the Yuva Sena, the youth wing of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
- He founded the 'I Love Mumbai' Foundation, known for its civic welfare initiatives, where he serves as President. He also served as a trustee of Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust - one of India's most respected religious institutions.
- He owns Mumbai's 'Bhaijaanz’ restaurant, named after Bollywood actor Salman Khan.
Kanal issued a stern warning to Kamra for his comments on deputy CM Shinde and said that "Abhi tak toh ye trailer hai, picture abhi baki hai."
"It is not about taking any law in your hands. It is purely about your self-respect. When it comes to elders or respectable citizens of the country... when your elders are targeted, you will target someone of that mentality... The message (for Kunal Kamra) is clear, 'Abhi tak toh ye trailer hai, picture abhi baki hai.' Whenever you are in Mumbai, you will get a good lesson in Shiv Sena style," he was quoted as saying by ANI.
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